UP Express fares to be slashed by more than half to attract more riders

TORONTO -- Fares on an express train from downtown Toronto to Pearson International airport are being slashed by more than half because of lower-than-expected ridership.

Since Union-Pearson Express launched in June, the one-way fare of $27.50 -- or $19 with a Presto transit card -- was decried by many as too expensive.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca said the cash fare for a one-way trip from Union Station to the airport will drop to $12, while the Presto fare will be cut to $9.

Del Duca says the new prices will take effect March 9, and he's confident they will lead to a growth in ridership.

Commuters who want to use the UP Express to travel to or from one of the two interim stops within the city of Toronto will be charged about $5, roughly equal to a GO transit fare for the same distance.

The board of Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency that oversees the UP Express, will have to vote on the new fares at a meeting tonight.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says there need to be adjustments to get people into the habit of using the service.