A discount for airport employees who want to ride the new Union Pearson (UP) Express won’t necessarily make it an affordable commuting option for most workers, says a representative for their unions.

The discount, being negotiated between Metrolinx and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), is “a step forward,” said Sean Smith of the Toronto Airport Council of Unions, which distributed flyers at Toronto transit stations on Wednesday.

However, he said, “There needs to be public discussion over the issue because this is public infrastructure, this is public transit.”

Metrolinx isn’t expected to announce the ticket prices for the Union Station to Pearson train until Dec. 11, although it’s believed to be looking at a one-way fare of about $29.

But the Star has learned that the provincial transportation agency and the GTAA are close to an agreement that would reduce that by $1.85 — a surcharge that was going to be applied to the tickets to compensate the airport for lost parking revenue once travelers switch to the train.

“We are engaged in positive discussions with Metrolinx and hope to share the details soon,” said Scott Armstrong of the GTAA.

On Wednesday, Metrolinx said it has invited the airport workers’ representatives to a private meeting to discuss the fare issue.

Smith says there needs to be a public discussion as well, given that the train was built with $456 million in provincial funding.

An employee discount, even from the lower price of $27, would need to be substantial to make the new train an option for most workers, he said, adding that other cities, including Boston, Seattle and Vancouver, provide airport transit for less than half that price.

Meantime, Toronto New Democrat MPP Peter Tabuns accused Ontario’s Liberal government of trying to bury the issue of UP Express prices by waiting until the last day before Queen’s Park breaks for Christmas to announce the fare structure.

“In Vancouver, commuters can get to the airport for $9. In Cleveland and Baltimore, it’s $2. In Philadephia, you can take the train to the airport for $8,” he said.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca defended UP Express as superior to airport transit in other cities. Toronto travellers will get a 25-minute ride from downtown to Pearson every 15 minutes.

Metrolinx has said it will be offering discounted fares for seniors, families and children, as well as lower prices for people who board at the two stops on the line at Bloor and Weston.

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In August, a poll by Forum Research found that only 4 per cent of Toronto respondents would be likely to use the UP Express at a price of $30. About 10 per cent said $20 was an optimal price and 41 per cent said they would be likely to ride the train for $10.

The train is expected to be in service in the spring.

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