Toronto's Union Station cleans up nicely

Torontosun.com
May 17, 2021

Meet the new Union Station.

Canada’s largest transportation hub, which opened Aug. 6, 1927, has been undergoing a decade-long, $825-million facelift (and there’s still another decade to go on the platform level).

While the normally bustling station, which stretches over four city blocks -- sees 300,000 commuters daily, ridership is down about 90% due to the pandemic.

“A lot of people coming back to GO and coming back to Union will be pleasantly surprised,” said Phil Verster, President-CEO Metrolinx.

“We’ve got contactless payment where credit cards can be used to tap in on a trial (basis) that we have at UP Express (from Union to Pearson) and we’re soon going to roll that out in the 905 on GO (trains and buses) as well as the TTC (subways and buses),” he added. “You can also be able to pay with your mobile phone by having your PRESTO card in your wallet. We also have a new Union Station bus terminal with 14 bays, fantastic service for GO and  city buses, and great facilities. It’s like an airport lounge.”

Those moving from the new GO bus station on the two bottom floors of CIBC Square will notice a cool-looking pedestrian walkway, the Bay Street Bridge, to the Scotiabank Arena en route to Union Station.

“Then there’s a third very exciting part which is the opening of the Bay Concourse, which we’re doing with the City of Toronto, and it’s a totally new experience on the Concourse Level for customers,” said Verster. “Customers will also see health kiosks and a focus on cleaning.”