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The Pearson Terminal Link Train

Link Train

Opened: 2006
Stations: 3
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Fare: Free
Trains: 2
Service Frequency:
4min (Peak) 8min (off-peak)

Text by Damian Baranowski

Toronto Pearson International Airport is one of the busiest Airports in the North America. Serving Toronto and the rest of the GTHA, Person Airport has two terminals that on average served over 41 million passengers in 2015. In order to get passengers to connect to the other terminals a train is used to get passengers around the airport. This system is called the “LINK” train.

History

The Link Train Opened in 2006 costing around $100 million and replaced shuttle bus service between terminal 1, 2, and 3 (However the train was never served Terminal 2 due to its impeding closure in 2007). The Link Train had two major closures. In 2009 the train was closed for three months to mechanical issues. It was closed again in 2013 due to work on the UP Express.

The Stations

There are three stations on the Link Train system. All are wheelchair accessible and have platform screen doors.

Terminal 1 - The eastern terminus of the Link Train is located near the Terminal 1 Car park. This station serves Terminal 1 which houses mainly Star Alliance airlines such as Air Canada, United Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Etc. The same station building also houses the UP Express, which was opened in 2015. This station also connects to the airport bus terminal area with GO Transit (34 Pearson Airport - North York and 40 Hamilton-Richmond Hill-Person Express), TTC (52A Lawrence West, 192 Airport Rocket, 300 Bloor-Danforth NightBlue Night, and 332 Eglinton West Night), MiWay (7 Airport and 24 Northwest), and Brampton Transit (115 Airport Express).

Terminal 3 - This station connects to Terminal 3 which houses airlines such as Air Transat, West Jet, American Airlines, KLM, Etc. This station also connects to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, the airports on-site hotel. There is only one bus connection at Terminal 3 which is for the TTC (52A Lawrence West, 192 Airport Rocket, 300 Bloor-Danforth NightBlue Night, and 332 Eglinton West Night).

Viscount Station - Located on Viscount Road, this station is the westbound terminus of the line. This station connects to a large long term parking lot. A MiWay connection is also available for the 24 Northwest and 107 Malton Express. Near the station are Alt Hotel Toronto and Hampton Inn.

The Trains

The Link Train is a free rail service that runs all day and night. It runs on a 4-minute frequency in peak time while 8-minute service in off-peak times. The system is operated by the GTAA (Greater Toronto Airport Authority). Only two trains ruin on the track, there is no eastbound or westbound platform as the trains only run back and forth on the tracks. Despite many people calling it a Monorail, the more correct term is a people mover.

The two trains carry seven cars which carry about 25 passengers each. The service carries around 17,000 riders every day and most of which staff heading around the airport. The train is mainly automatic with an override in case of an emergency. Though even in automatic control, there still is someone looking after the system.

Changes Since the Opening

Despite being a very young transit system, it has gone under numerus changes since it opened. The first thing to note is that the original GTAA Livery has been changed to reflect the new Toronto Pearson Airport Logo. It replaces the blue and grey design with more vibrant blue and light blue variant. The automatized voices on the system are the same used since 2006 expect for Terminal 1 Station announcement which was updated to include a mention about the UP Express connection. Also Terminal 1 station was updated in 2013-2015 for the new UP Express.

The Future

As of the time of this writing (January 2020) there is no plan to extend the current system. From the authors point of view possible extensions could happen when the future line 5 reaches the airport or if airport opens another terminal (Both of which will not happen for a while). However, we still have time to give our thanks to one of most innovated system to hit Toronto.


Pearson Terminal Link Train Image Archive

References

  • Kalinowski, Tess. “Pearson’s cable-propelled transit LINK is TTC rider’s dream.” Thestar.com. Toronto Star, 21 May 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Toronto Pearson Airport.” ttc.ca. Toronto Transportation Commission, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Terminal Link.” Torontopearson.com. Toronto Pearson International Airport, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Public Transportation.” Torontopearson.com. Toronto Pearson International Airport, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Statistics.” Torontopearson.com. Toronto Pearson International Airport, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Toronto Airport Link Train.” sheratongatewaytorontoairport.com. Sheraton, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Union Pearson Express.” Torontopearson.com. Toronto Pearson International Airport, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “24 Northwest.” www7.mississauga.ca. City of Mississauga, June 29, 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “107 Malton Express.” www7.mississauga.ca. City of Mississauga, September 5, 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Airlines and Destinations.” Torontopearson.com. Toronto Pearson International Airport, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
  • “Toronto Pearson Fast Facts.” Torontopearson.com. Toronto Pearson International Airport, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
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