Yes, it’s true, after decades of discussion Toronto’s Pearson Airport is becoming a world-class airport. Construction has started on the elevated (90 ft. high in spots) Air-Rail Link between Pearson and Union Station. There will be intermediate stops at Weston for westbound passengers and northbound or subway customers disembarking at Bloor.
How will this affect Public Go Transit in the western GTA? It is logically safe to assume that as long as the planes are landing (12pm) there would be connecting transit for those late evening flights. Does this mean that we can now collectively dream of taking in an afternoon or evening concert, art exhibit, shopping, or dinner in T.O. and know that we can leisurely exit for our suburban digs without fear of being abandoned in the concrete canyons of Toronto? Hopefully, by 2015, this will be a reality.
The question remains, will there be connecting a Go Bus Service from these suburban terminals to valet these late night passengers to all points on the compass? The proposed MetroLinx connection along Highway 10 (Square 1 to the Brampton Go Station) should logically have bus service on either end to better integrate this long overdue upgrade to our transportation network.
Perhaps it is time to petition Go Transit to construct European-style bus terminals (bike racks) along Highway 10 at notable intersections, to better accommodate this inevitable increase in commuter traffic? This would be a superb long-term benefit to all concerned, especially to those that feel that the “Frankenstorm” of the last week will not be a passing anomaly moving forward.
People of good consciousness should do whatever it takes to leave a legacy that our grandchildren and their grandchildren can be proud. These days of “ultra low interest rates,” allow our municipal and provincial government the perfect opportunity to make things tangibly better for future generations. We, the citizens of Caledon, can be the agents of change, let’s work together to make good things happen.
Please read Marcus Gee’s article in the Globe and Mail for further details on the Air-Rail Link and its boost to travel.
Update: Bolton on 25-year wait list for rail service (up 10 years from previous 15-year plan)