Taking A Trip on the Union-Pearson Express

We rode the Union-Pearson Express to the airport and back, and took some photos along the way.

By David Hains

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Pleasant train station is pleasant.

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Pleasant train station is pleasant.

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You can buy Drake General Store merch at the Union Station kiosk. You can also order Balzac's coffee.

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You can buy Drake General Store merch at the Union Station kiosk. You can also order Balzac’s coffee.

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You can also buy a UPX conductor's cap, all the better to get in touch with your inner six-year-old.

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You can also buy a UPX conductor’s cap, all the better to get in touch with your inner six-year-old.

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You know what you're missing in your life? UPX buttons. You can buy a set of three at the Union Station store.

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You know what you’re missing in your life? UPX buttons. You can buy a set of three at the Union Station store.

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The Metrolinx people tried to win over the media with cupcakes, otherwise known as UPcakes. We groaned too.

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The Metrolinx people tried to win over the media with cupcakes, otherwise known as UPcakes. We groaned too.

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Just don't touch the red button.

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Just don’t touch the red button.

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"Doors are closing. The doors are now closing."

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“Doors are closing. The doors are now closing.”

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Will there be a 2015 UPX update on the 2003 Global soap opera <em>Train 48</em>? Probably not. Would that be the worst thing to happen, ever? Probably.

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Will there be a 2015 UPX update on the 2003 Global soap opera Train 48? Probably not. Would that be the worst thing to happen, ever? Probably.

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There's some really great graffiti as the train pulls out of Union.

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There’s some really great graffiti as the train pulls out of Union.

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A close up of the UPX logo on staff uniforms.

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A close up of the UPX logo on staff uniforms.

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One of the many views from the train. Other view included the Weston Golf Course, and Woodbine Racetrack.

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One of the many views from the train. Other view included the Weston Golf Course, and Woodbine Racetrack.

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The Union-Pearson Express is an easy target. Critics argue tickets for the rail linking the Pearson airport to downtown Toronto are too expensive, and that the tracks should have been electrified.

But the rail line will nevertheless open to the public as of June 6, and trains will leave every 15 minutes to make the 25-minute trip.

We took a media tour of the route yesterday. The ride was smooth and on time, and offered some nice views. While the two stations along the way will be operational by June 6, work will continue on them after the UPX opens. A Metrolinx spokesperson told Torontoist that the stations will be ready in time for the Pan Am Games.

Tickets for the rail link will cost up to $27.50, depending on whether or not you have a Presto card. Check out our gallery for more.

Photos by David Hains