The province of Ontario recently announced changes to its UP Express service at two stations, Bloor Station and Weston Station. These changes were intended to provide a faster option for commuters traveling between Union and Pearson airports, but were met with widespread criticism from residents. Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria quickly responded to the backlash by instructing Metrolinx not to proceed with the planned changes. The proposed reduction in train frequency at these key transit stations would have significantly impacted commute times for many city transit users, leading to an online petition demanding a reversal of the decision.
Over 5,600 people quickly expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed changes through the online petition, urging Sarkaria and Premier Doug Ford to reconsider. The petition was in response to Metrolinx’s announcement of service changes for GO Train and UP Express routes, including an increase in trips and frequency. Premier Ford stated that the government is adding hundreds of additional GO train trips each week to communities across the Greater Toronto Area. However, the decision to reduce service at Bloor and Weston stations, crucial for TTC connections, would have resulted in trains running every 15 minutes being reduced to every half-hour, causing concern among commuters.
In response to the backlash from residents, the government has decided to halt the planned UP Express service changes at Bloor and Weston stations. Despite the intention to provide a faster travel option between Union and Pearson airports, Sarkaria acknowledged riders’ concerns about servicing these key stations along the UP Express line. It remains unclear whether this decision will affect the promised additional services on the Kitchener line, which are still set to commence on April 28. The impact of the service changes at Bloor and Weston stations would have been mitigated by an increase in trains on the Kitchener GO line, serving the same stations.
The announcement of the UP Express service changes came as part of the government’s efforts to expand public transit in the region, with 300 new trips being added on main train lines in and out of Toronto. This represents a 15% increase in service, aimed at improving transportation for communities across the GTA. The decision to scale back service at Bloor and Weston stations was met with criticism and prompted a swift response from the government. The online petition demanding a reversal of the changes highlighted the impact on commute times for residents who rely on these key transit stops for their daily travel.
Moving forward, the government will need to address the concerns of residents and ensure that any future service changes take into account the needs of transit riders. The decision to halt the planned UP Express service changes demonstrates the importance of listening to feedback from the community and adjusting policies accordingly. As the government continues to expand public transit services in the Greater Toronto Area, it will be essential to strike a balance between improving travel options and meeting the needs of commuters at key transit stations like Bloor and Weston. By considering the concerns of residents and striving to provide efficient and reliable transportation options, the government can work towards creating a more effective and accessible public transit network for all.
