Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony
Care to explain?
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Of course. The comparison really struck me when I saw the renderings for the diesel multiple units but I think it's apt. The Hong Kong Airport Express runs regular trains from Hong Kong's Airport to Central , the middle of town. It's a premium service and (at least last time I passed through) the only rail service from the Airport. It does connect with public transit a few limited stops. There's a premium fare (100HK$ about $13.00 CDN) compared to departing the airport via regular transit (which connects into the MTR). Airport Express currently takes about 24 minutes each way. Air Link is going to be roughly 20 - 25 minutes as I understand it. In broad strokes, there's a lot of relevant comparisons.
But the differences are striking:
1. Airport Express is electrified whereas Air Link is diesel powered.
2. Airport Express has a dedicated route whereas Air Link will be using existing (if upgraded) infrastructure for most of its route. This would seem to make it potentially more vulnerable to service disruption.
3. Airport Express allows you to check your luggage in Central before ever getting on a train to leave for the airport. There's no similar provision planned for Air Link to my knowledge.
4. Airport Express is a lot cheaper each way than Air Link as proposed. That makes it a lot more appealing for non-business travellers.
I'll also be curious to see what the integration is with Presto. In Hong Kong the Octopus Card can be used for Airport Express and then free MTR use for the remainder of the day. From what I have seen and read, you will be able to use Presto for Air Link, but there won't be any fare linking at all. I hope that's incorrect as that would undermine using the Presto Card on Air Link.
Hence the feeling that this is a "poor man's version." Toronto, frankly, deserves better, not just on this one project but in general, on the transit front.