News
GTAA applauds today’s steps forward on air rail link project

Dec. 15, 2008, Toronto – The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) applauded today's announcement by Metrolinx that the project to link Toronto Pearson International Airport with Union Station will be moving into an environmental assessment beginning in the spring of 2009.
       
As identified in Metrolinx's recently approved "The Big Move" regional transportation plan, both Toronto Pearson and Union Station are considered significant mobility hubs, moving a combined daily total of over 300,000 passengers. A dedicated, reliable connection between the two facilities will offer convenience to passengers that will in turn foster growth for business and tourism in the city. In addition, significant environmental benefits will be realized with the implementation of the air rail link. In the first year of operation, it is projected that this will eliminate about 6.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions and see approximately 1.35 million cars from the roads.
       
"Toronto has a world-class airport and connecting this facility to the downtown core will make a dramatic difference to passengers. The ability to travel quickly between the airport and downtown is an important piece of the transportation puzzle for the City and the regions," said Lloyd McCoomb, President and CEO of the GTAA.
       
The GTAA supports all forms of transit to and from the airport, and will continue to work closely with Metrolinx, all levels of government and transit operators to make Toronto Pearson easily accessible utilizing all modes of transportation.

The GTAA is the non-share, not for profit authority that operates Toronto Pearson. All revenue generated by the GTAA is reinvested back into the airport. In 2007, 31.5 million passengers travelled through Toronto Pearson.