UP Express UP Express: FREE Rides on Family Day Weekend (February 13 to 15) FREE Rides on Family Day Weekend!
get this dealIf you're in the Greater Toronto Area and need a trip to Union Station or Pearson International Airport this Family Day weekend (February 13 to 15), skip the bus or taxi and take a trip on the UP Express, as they'll be offering FREE trips that entire weekend! Not only is this a great deal for travelers, but it can also make a nifty family outing for rail-fans and kids, as trains are always neat no matter how old you are.
The UP Express began service in June 2015 and promises a 25-minute trip between Union Station and Pearson International Airport. There are two stops in between (Bloor and Weston), meaning you can even use it for a free trip to either of those areas to save on transit or gas! A one-way fare from Union to Pearson is normally $27.50 for adults and this free weekend is a great opportunity to experience the service first-hand.
While the service has struggled due to poor ridership and a high price relative to alternative transit, it has been lauded for its fast service, convenience and friendly staff.
Specific terms such as rider limits or if tickets need to be booked in advance have yet to be disclosed, but we'll update this post as more details are released.
Thanks to our resident RFD forums wizard TomRFD for originally posting this deal in our Freebies forum!
56 Comments
View allFYI - it is pet friendly too. Took a dog on it the last time they had free rides
"Each guest may bring a maximum of two dogs, cats, or other small animals on board free of charge. Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier. Cats and other small animals must be in a pet carrier that allows room for the pet to stand or lie down with comfort. "
I'm gonna use it to hit high park area for a hike. Perfect! Wonder how they'll feel about a nice, muddy dog on board...
But thanks OP. Coming back on the 15th so a free train home will be great!
Solution: DROP THE PRICE. Idiots.
Everyone who paid a fair with TTC can use it.
That will definitely increase the ridership.
McCuaig said a lack of awareness about the service explains much of the low ridership. He also said getting travellers to switch from their regular mode of transportation has proven difficult.
"We need to get more people to try the service, we believe that as people try the service, they'll fall in love with it," he said. McCuaig is hoping that love affair will begin this Valentine's Day weekend, when Metrolinx will offer free rides on the troubled airport train.
TTC is $3 in like 60mins.
UP is $27 in like 25mins.
Seems like most dont see the point in paying an extra $24 to save 35mins.
We'd be using less credit card tap and more Presto for most of our purchases.
It's still $15 to save 35mins.
Ionno. I'd say $15 without Presto is more acceptable. But that's just me.