Annual report shows UPX was subsidized by province
The provincial government subsidized passengers on the troubled Union Pearson Express last year at a rate of $52.26 per ride.
The astounding sum, which far exceeds the subsidy received by other Toronto-area public transit projects, was revealed in an annual report that came before the Metrolinx board Tuesday.
The regional transit agency, which has faced fierce criticism over the $456-million air rail link, did not explicitly publish the per-ride subsidy. But calculations based on ridership numbers and operating expenditures that the agency did make public reveal the extent to which the UPX’s costs exceeded its revenues in its first 10 months of operation.
“It demonstrates a complete lack of competent planning,” said Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22, St. Paul’s), who in 2014 brought a motion to council asking Metrolinx to set the UPX fare at an “affordable” rate.
“To subsidize a boutique train focused on business travellers is a real slap in the face to Toronto residents who have been waiting far too long for transit dollars to come their way.”
more
Progtariowe
The provincial government subsidized passengers on the troubled Union Pearson Express last year at a rate of $52.26 per ride.
The astounding sum, which far exceeds the subsidy received by other Toronto-area public transit projects, was revealed in an annual report that came before the Metrolinx board Tuesday.
The regional transit agency, which has faced fierce criticism over the $456-million air rail link, did not explicitly publish the per-ride subsidy. But calculations based on ridership numbers and operating expenditures that the agency did make public reveal the extent to which the UPX’s costs exceeded its revenues in its first 10 months of operation.
“It demonstrates a complete lack of competent planning,” said Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22, St. Paul’s), who in 2014 brought a motion to council asking Metrolinx to set the UPX fare at an “affordable” rate.
“To subsidize a boutique train focused on business travellers is a real slap in the face to Toronto residents who have been waiting far too long for transit dollars to come their way.”
more
Progtariowe
