Hey guys, welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re here at the Union-Pearson Express
station of Union Station, located right here in downtown Toronto in the Skywalk. Instead
of doing Union station as one big video, we decided to break it down into its smaller
constituent parts, as this is more practical given Union’s constantly changing nature,
and in doing so we can get into more details about each part of the station as well. This
station is a recent addition to the Union station complex, and serves the UP Express
service that operates every day at about a 15 minute frequency. Let’s go and take a
closer look!
[Intro]
Before we get to the video, we want to give a quick shoutout to our newest patron Alex.
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Alright, time to get back to the main content of the day.
The UP Express station is one of the newest additions to the giant station complex here
at Union Station, and it opened for service in 2015. The station isn’t located right
with the other services here at Union as the platform used is a new platform just to the
west of the GO platforms, so to get here from the subway for example you would need to take
quite a trek, but thankfully there are lots of signs to direct you. Just head up to the
Great Hall, follow the signs for the Skywalk, and you’ll be there in just a couple of minutes.
Arriving at the station, the first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful wooden detailing on
the exterior of the station, making it really stand out amongst the other parts of the Skywalk.
We also really appreciate all these ads for the service that we spotted along the way,
reminding passers by, especially tourists to the city, that the service is available
right here.
As there’s not a lot of room inside the actual station, being mainly just the platform
area, some parts of the station have spilled out into the Skywalk, including Presto ticket
machines where you can purchase your UP Express tickets or reload your Presto card, as well
as TV screens showing the departure times for the next couple of trains.
Our next destination is just a few steps up into the actual station. After walking through
a slightly cramped walkway, the station opens up to a long platform, framed by a row of
glass platform screen doors. The whole station has a light coloured wood aesthetic which,
in our opinion, really lifts the mood and is quite beautiful. The platform features
departure screens, Presto tap points, vending machines, and some benches to rest on while
you wait. There are doors along the whole length of the platform, although if you do
want to enter or exit through the middle doors, you will have to follow the tapes and line up.
There’s not too much to do near the platform doors besides waiting in line, but if you
prefer to occupy your time with something else, there is a small cafe right here for
you to grab a bite and chill out at, or you can browse the souvenirs on offer right beside
the cafe, or even do some work at the CIBC Upstairs lounge that occupies the second level
of the station and get a great view of the platform and trains below. The lounge used
to serve food and alcohol, but unfortunately no longer does, so you will have to bring
food and drinks from downstairs. And of course, the station also has some washrooms, just
in case you do get the urges while you’re waiting for your train.
And if you ever need any help with the service, there is a help desk right here offering friendly
service, and you might even be able to check in to your Air Canada or Westjet flight right
here at check-in kiosks.
[Music]
For an even better view of the station exterior and especially of these UP Express trains,
we recommend walking further down the Skywalk, exit on the other end, and walk towards the
CN Tower, where you’ll arrive at this patio overlooking the GO train and UP Express tracks.
And of course, this is where you’ll be able to access the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the
Rec Room, and Ripley’s Aquarium, all excellent destinations for a trip to toronto. Enjoy
some railfanning footage while we wrap up this video.
[Music]
Alright guys, that’s about it for our tour of the UP Express station here at Union station,
and the first part of our ongoing series to cover the megastructure that is Union station
here in downtown toronto. We hope you enjoyed this video, and perhaps are more interested
in checking out this station, and the UP Express service after watching it. Like, subscribe,
and let us know down in the comments what part of this station you like the most, and
what part of Union station we should cover next. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram,
and support us on Patreon or Ko-fi if you would like to help us keep making great videos
for you guys. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one!
[Music]