WATCH: Peter Kim has the details on the latest reveal of the UP Express trains before their spring launch.
TORONTO – The Union Pearson Express rail line is continuing intensive testing ahead of its official launch later this spring.
Testing began on the Union Station to Pearson International Airport corridor on Feb. 23 with a focus on vehicle operations, emergency procedures and simulated trial runs.
Stephan Mehr, the director of business planning for the Union Pearson Express says there have been no major snags or problems that have surfaced so far during testing.
READ MORE: Union Pearson Express corridor to cost Toronto nearly $100-million
The rail link between the airport and downtown Toronto is expected to be full operational for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games to be held this summer.
A one-way 25-kilometre trip takes 25 minutes making two stops at Bloor and Weston GO Stations.
READ MORE: Union Pearson Express fares revealed, discount for PRESTO users
One of the key components of the Union Pearson Express is the elevated three-kilometre spur line connecting the Kitchener Corridor to Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 1. It’s the longest elevated rail bridge in Ontario and a first of its kind for Metrolinx and the province’s transportation sector. At its highest point near Highway 409 and the Airport Road interchange the spur line is 28 metres above ground.
The $456 million Union Pearson Express is on time and on budget according to Metrolinx. It’s scheduled to welcome its first passengers this spring. The trains will eventually be powered by electricity, but the timeline and cost for conversion have not been confirmed.
Fun Facts:
- Each train car weighs 165,000 lbs
- First set of UP Express vehicles departed Toyohashi, Japan in March, 2014 and arrived in Toronto in mid-August
- Train cars run on diesel but can be convertible to electric propulsion
- Elevated tracks will reach 28 metres above ground at their highest point
- UP Express will serve an estimated 5,000 travellers per day
Comments