Showing posts with label Airport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Airport. Show all posts

Wednesday, 17 October 2018

Canadian Airports with US Border Pre-clearance

With the legalization of cannabis in Canada today, there are new considerations for Canadians travelling to the USA. While we won't delve into these here, we offer the following in response to increased interest in Canadian airports with US customs and immigration "pre-clearance" facilities.

What is pre-clearance?

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) service operates border pre-clearance facilities at eight (8) major Canadian airports. If you fly to the USA from one of these airports, you will pass through U.S. Immigration and Customs, Public Health, and Agriculture inspections before boarding your flight.

What are the benefits of pre-clearance?

Leaving the security check and baggage area,
transitioning to US CBP pre-clearance
You will not need to clear customs after landing in the USA, eliminating delays if you have a connecting flight.

Your baggage will be checked through to your final destination (in other words, you won't need to collect and recheck your bags if you have a connecting flight).

If you are denied entry into the United States by United States Customs and Border Protection, and are not allowed to board your flight, you can simply leave the airport (as contrasted to the complications resulting from being detained by CBP in the USA).

Are there any downsides?

Entering US CBP preclearance in Vancouver
Any delay in US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance could cause you to miss you outbound flight from Canada (arrive early, especially at Toronto Pearson Airport, which is prone to delays).

US Customs and Border Protection hours may differ from airport open hours. You should be aware that if your flight departs outside US CBP operating hours, you will clear customs at your destination airport.

What Canadian airports have pre-clearance?

After preclearance at Vancouver International Airport,
travellers are considered to be in the USA
Canadian airports with US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance are:

Is pre-clearance available at other crossings?

Yes.

US Customs and Border Protection operates pre-clearance at:
  • Pacific Central Station in Vancouver - for Amtrak Cascades train service to Seattle
  • Port of Vancouver - for cruise ship passengers embarking at Vancouver

US CBT preclearance at Victoria ferry port
US Customs and Border Protection offers immigration-only pre-clearance at these crossings (meaning you will still clear customs upon arrival in the USA):
  • Port of Victoria - for Black Ball Line MV Coho car ferry service to Port Angeles
  • Port of Victoria - for Victoria Clipper passenger service to Seattle
  • Sidney, BC - for Washington State Ferry service to Anacortes

What else should I keep in mind?

While flying from a pre-clearance airport means that you will arrive in the USA as a domestic traveler, you are, of course, still subject to reinspection at the discretion of US Customs and Border Protection service.

This article is posted as general information only and is not to be considered as legal advice.

Related resources
The 420 From PDX
Is Uber Doomed?
How to Get Away from the Airport
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with Taxi Drivers
14 Great Cities Where You Can Eat Like a Cabbie


Sunday, 14 May 2017

The fate of Berlin's Tegel Airport

The power of the petition could turn the tide at Berlin's Tegel Airport.

Berliners demand vote to keep Tegel airport open - Reuters

More than 200,000 Berlin residents have signed a petition to demand a referendum on keeping the city's Tegel airport operating after the German capital's new airport opens. Tegel... was meant to close once a much-delayed new airport opened southeast of Berlin. But critics say the new airport will be too small to meet passenger demand even when it opens, possibly in 2018.
Tegel, in the northwest, and Berlin's other airport, Schoenefeld in the southeast, served 33 million passengers last year. The capacity of the new Brandenberg Airport, whose opening has been pushed back from January 2017, will be 27 million... [read the full story].

Related resources

Berlin’s Airport Debacle: Five Years Late and Counting - Bloomberg
Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) transportation guide - IHateTaxis
Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) transportation guide - IHateTaxis
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) information - IHateTaxis

Monday, 10 April 2017

BC airport news

Vancouver International Airport wins top award, again!
Lots of good news airport stories from our neck of the woods...

Oliver gets new Kelowna and Penticton Airport transfer options
There was good news this week for Oliver residents. Ogopogo Valley Tours Inc. will provide airport shuttle service to Penticton Airport and Kelowna Airport, reducing the cost and increasing the convenience of fly-in visits to British Columbia's South Okanagan region... [read the full story].

YVR named #1 in North America - for 8th consecutive year!
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) s the first and only airport to be voted Best Airport in North America for the eighth consecutive year. The Skytrax World Airport Awards are recognized as the global benchmark of airport excellence. The on-site Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel was also voted Best Airport Hotel in North America... [read the full story].

BC airport infrastructure investment projects announced
Things are looking up at 20 British Columbia regional airports, thanks to a $10M investment from the BC Air Access Program. This year's recipients include Anahim Lake, Bella Coola, Chetwynd, Cranbrook, Fairmont Hot Springs, Grand Forks, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Osoyoos, Pemberton, Pitt Meadows, Port Alberni, Powell River, Prince George, Salmon Arm, Smithers, Valemount, Vernon and Williams Lake... [read the press release].

Related resources
What does the future hold for Vancouver International? - International Airport Review
Fly-away falcon back to work at YVR airport - CBC
Uber-style ride-hailing services to operate in B.C. by end of 2017 - Thompson Citizen
Victoria airport chief hopes push to privatize grounded - Times Colonist
Certified airports in British Columbia
BC Airport transportation options - IHateTaxis


Friday, 31 March 2017

Lower taxi fares coming to Ben Gurion

Taxis outside Terminal 1 at Israel's main airport
Who says that prices never go down? Good news from the Times of Israel:

New airport taxi system aims to drop price for passengers
The cost of taxi rides to and from Israel’s main international airport are set to drop as authorities prepare to initiate a new system that will enable all cabbies to collect passengers from terminals, doing away with a 40-year monopoly... [read the full story].

Related resources
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) transportation guide - IHateTaxis
Israel Offers Subsidies To Airlines Launching Direct Service To Tel Aviv - Travel Market Report
Winding road to B-G Airport terminal was built to appease Chabad - Times of Israel

Friday, 16 December 2016

Pokemon No-Go: Moscow GPS foils taxis, Uber, runners

We love this story, but of course are not amused about those actually getting lost. It's truly an "only in Russia thing":
Russians seek answers to central Moscow GPS anomaly
From the marathoners who magically run at a higher rate to Uber drivers thrown 30 kilometres off-course, Putin's GPS shield is bringing cloaking devices into modern un-reality.

"Isn't this the Kremlin?"
"No, you idiot, it's Vnukovo Airport!"
"Where's Pikachu then?"
"How the hell am I supposed to know?"
"It was your turn to handle directions!"
"I followed them!"
"Then where the hell is the Kremlin?"
"It's supposed to be right here!"
"Then why does the GPS on my phone keep telling me this is the airport?"
"Where are the planes?"
"I don't know!"
"It doesn't look like any airport I've ever seen..."
"They probably stopped air traffic because Putin is arriving."
"That's stupid."
"No, it's not."
"Helicopter."

"Pikachu's in a helicopter?!?"
"No, you idiot, it's Putin's helicopter!! Can't you hear it?"
"Yes, but..."
"Look, there it is! It IS Putin!"
"Holy shit."
"No shit! I told you!"
"Then where's [inaudible]?"
"What...?!?"
"I said, where [inaudible] then?"
"I can't hear you!!!"
"No shit chickenshit".
"Wow, that thing's loud..."
"Did you see Putin waving?"
"No, of course not!"
"I swear I saw him!"
"Can't be."
"Why's that?"
"Because it's his double, you idiot!!!"
"His what?!?!"
"You think they'd let Putin wave?! It's his DOUBLE, dufus!"
"He has a double?"
"Of couse he does, numbskull."
"Oh."
"I wonder when the planes will start again."

"So where's Pikachu then?"
"Cloaked."
"What?!?"
"Cloaked. You know, stealth technology."
"You think Pikachu has a cloaking device?!?"
"Sure, why not?"
"You watch too much Star Trek!"
"No I don't!"
"So where's Pikachu then?"
"I don't know!"
"Why don't you ask William Shatner then?!?"
"Kirk?!? Where? What...?"
"I just keep feeling like he's going to magically turn up..."
"Ha. True."
"I'm ready for vodka."
"Me too."
"Maybe Pikachu is in the bar."
"With Shatner".
"Ha. No shit."
"Well, let's go then."
"Keep your eyes open for him."
"Who? Pikachu? Or Shatner?"
"Ha. Do you hear planes?"
"Huh?"
"It's an airport, remember?"
"No, it's the Kremlin."
"Oh, geez... Let's get that vodka..."
"Roger that!"

Thursday, 13 October 2016

WiFox: Free Airport WiFi

On the balance of things, last week was a pretty good week for travelers in search of airport connectivity.

On the downside, we are hearing reports of some airports cutting back on free WiFi. Whaaattt? It's apparently true, according to articles in both Travel+Leisure and Travel Weekly. Are they crazy? If airports haven't learnt anything about what passengers want, they are totally missing the point of the "passenger experience" (PaxEx) movement.

On the upside, WiFox has got travelers everywhere talking! WiFox is a continually updated interactive global map of free airport WiFi spots. WiFox features both free airport WiFi information and restricted-access airport WiFi, complete with passwords.

You can follow @foxnomad on Twitter
We can all thank Anil Polat, the techie, blogger and world traveller (aka Robin Hood hacker) who created the app.

A digital nomad who has been living on the road for the past 5 years, Anil has clearly thought of everything:
  • A low price for the iPhone and Android apps makes WiFox affordable for all 
  • The WiFox website version is free - perfect for travelers
  • An offline version of WiFox can be easily downloaded prior to travel, giving you the information when you most need it
  • Users are encouraged to submit passwords to WiFox when they discover restricted-access airport WiFi during their travels

Giveaway: enter to win 1 of 20 promo codes for a free copy of the WiFox App (ends at midnight on October 16)!


Isn't life grand?

Our suggestion for airport authorities who are worried about the annoying their rent-paying tenants who are offering WiFi access to their customers only - and wish to keep it that way:
Wake up and smell the virtual roses: implement, bring back or keep FREE AIRPORT WIFI for all airport visitors.

Related resources
WiFox App Provides WiFi Passwords for Airports Around the World - Hole in the Donut
Find Free Airport Wi-Fi With This Interactive Map - Life Hacker
WiFox App - FoxNomad
@foxnomad - follow Anil Polat on Twitter
#WiFox - check out the hashtag on Twitter


Suggested reading
Brexit and the impact on travel - travel bloggers
Brexit and the impact on travel - new stories
Airport Beacons 2.0
Airports of the Future - New Perspectives
What is a Data Driven Airport?

Friday, 9 September 2016

Airports of the Future - new perspectives

Heathrow's hub airport of the future design concept by Grimshaw
How will the airport of the future differ from today's leading edge airport? In what ways can airport leaders look at the passenger experience (PaxEx) they provide to meet the needs of tomorrow's traveller? Here are some fresh new perspectives:


5 things air transport stakeholders must do now to avoid missing out on huge industry transformation opportunities


At Future Travel Experience Europe 2016 in Amsterdam, hundreds of the most pioneering passenger experience-focused minds came together to share their plans and visions for the end-to-end travel experience of 2025. As part of FTE’s strategy to drive positive industry change, here we highlight five of the key conclusions from the event and suggest potential ways forward... [read the full article on Future Travel Experience].

 

The Future of Airports - Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports


When I think of my own personal journey, it began while talking with someone who ran an airport. I was working for an airline and asked how they viewed customer relationships. He said: “We see airlines as suppliers of our customers.” That was when I personally realized that attitudes and approaches had to change; and I decided to move into airports [read the full interview on Air Transport IT Review].


Preparing for the airport terminal of the future - Future Travel Experience


"Driven by an increase in automation, commercialisation and the importance of ‘sense of place’, in addition to evolving passenger demands, airport terminal design has been changing. It will continue to do so as technology developments, especially in relation to passenger processing, shape how terminals look now and how they will differ in the future. To provide insight into the key factors impacting terminal design and to explore the latest developments in this space, FTE spoke to American Airlines’ Managing Director of Real Estate, Katherine Goudreau; LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ CEO, Stewart Steeves; SOM Director, Derek Moore; UNStudio Founder and Principal Architect, Ben van Berkel; and Merchant Aviation’s CEO, Kiran Merchant... [read the full article on Future Travel Experience].



Related resources
From Robots to Augmented Reality: Envisioning YVR of the Future - Apex
The Airport of the Future Is Coming, But It’s Still Not Here - Skift
Heathrow selects Grimshaw to design ‘hub airport of the future’ concept - Future Travel Experience
The Airport Of The Future Isn’t An Airport: It’s A City (and you don't need to be a passenger to visit) - Popular Science


Resources from IHateTaxis
What is a data driven airport? - IHateTaxis blog
Heathrow's sleek new transport screens - IHateTaxis blog
A few thoughts on Frankfurt Airport - IHateTaxis blog
Mamava lactation pods - LayoverIdeas blog

Saturday, 6 August 2016

Layover Ideas: Cologne

Cologn1411
Cologne, Germany in 1411
Have a layover coming up in Cologne? Wondering what you could do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Cologne. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].

Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog
• Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Sunday, 5 June 2016

Layover Ideas: Boston

Yes, you can go for a drink at Cheers during your Boston layover
Have a layover coming up in Boston? Wondering what you could do with your time?

We have some inspiration for you. We've collected the stories below from those who have experienced a layover in Boston. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].


Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog
• Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Zhukovsky, Moscow's 4th airport opens

Open for business, but no flights yet at Moscow Zhukovsky Airport
Earlier this year, we captured the mess that is transportation to Moscow's 3 major airports with an illustration by Andy, a Russian resident in Moscow has HOW many airports?!?.

Well, Andy's life just got a little more complicated.

On May 30th, Moscow's fourth international airport, "Zhukovsky", opened for business.

The newest, Moscow Zhukovsky Ramenskoye International Airport (ZIA), is located in the town of Zhukovsky, on the outskirts of Moscow (in Moscow Oblast, to be precise).

Precise? Well, maybe not, as most of the airport is actually located in the town of Ramenskoye. Perhaps the former aviation research, testing and cargo facility (it once a test site for Soviet Buran Spacecraft) had worn out the city's moniker.

But with a slice of the airport located in Zhukovsky, a town named to honour Russia's pioneer of modern aerodynamics research, Nikolay Yegorovich Zhukovsky, how could they not rename it?

Names aside, Zhukovsky Airport was planned to relieve mounting pressure on Moscow's existing airports, which has since eased (25 airlines pulled out of Moscow last year):
Moscow Zhukovsky International Airport is intended to serve low-cost airlines. Few have signed up so far, but Air Kyrgyzstan and SCAT will commence service next month. Cities with flights to ZIA will initially include Aktau, Aktobe, Astana, Bishkek, Osh and Shymkent.

Unfortunately, no transportation infrastructure exists or is planned, so if you find ZIA on your flight itinerary, be warned. All Moscow airports share an IATA city code, MOW, so be sure you know which airports(s) you are flying through.

If you happen to be lucky enough to attend the biennial MAKS Airshow, long hosted by the Ramenskoye Airport, perhaps you can manage to take a flight into ZIA to check it out firsthand.

But still, please, don't ask Andy for a ride.


Resources from IHateTaxis.com
Moscow has HOW many airports?!?
Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) transportation options and guide
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) transportation options and guide
Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO) transportation options and guide
Moscow Zhukovsky Ramenskoye International Airport (ZIA) transportation options and guide
Moscow Layover Ideas & Things to Do in Moscow

Related resources
New Moscow airport's take off stalled by vanishing passengers - Reuters
Zhukovsky Airport to Serve First Flight in June - Russian Aviation Insider
Fourth international airport opens in Moscow RT.com
An Aeroflot Nightmare: How I Got Placed Under Virtual Arrest in Moscow
Airport nightmare: Russians seize concertmaster’s violin
Hundreds Miss Sheremetyevo Flights Because of Road Work
STUCK: The meaning of the city’s traffic nightmare - New Yorker
Getting around Moscow by metro and public transport


Saturday, 21 May 2016

Lucky Lucknow is getting an airport train

India's Lucknow CCS Airport serves 2.5 million passengers a year
Lucknow Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), referred to as CSS Airport by locals, is getting a new airport train.

The sleek new Lucknow CSS airport train
design, as revealed by Railway Gazette
Already under construction, the metro line connecting Lucknow CCS International Airport will cover a distance of 24 kilometres, right through to a new metro station at Munshi Pulia. While most of the line will be elevated, a few kilometres will run underground. A total of 19 stations are planned. The first phase is scheduled to open sometime in 2016.

In 2016, Lucknow Airport was ranked the second best in the world in the small airport category by the Airport Council International. India also took the top spot, with Jaipur International Airport (JAI), being named the best airport serving 2-5 million passengers.

Related resources
Lucknow metro train design revealed - Railway Gazette
Lucknow airport judged second best in small airport category - Times of India
Lucknow Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) transportation guide - IHateTaxis
New Shanghai Pudong electric bus routes
Denver Airport Train glitches
New Tehran Mehrabad Airport metro link
New Manila UBE Express Airport Bus

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

New Shanghai Pudong electric bus routes

Shanghai Pudong
More transportation options arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport
creative commons image fi_chince on Flickr
This week, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) launched 5 new electric bus routes between the airport and central Shanghai.

Designed to serve tourists transferring to 5-star hotels downtown, the new bus routes serve:
  • Hongqiao
  • Jing’an Temple
  • Lujiazui
  • People’s Square
  • Xujiahui
Airport boarding areas are located at Terminal 1 Arrivals (by Exit 9) and Terminal 2 Arrivals (Exit 27). The new buses will operate between 06:45 and 01:00, and adult fares are CNY 68 (roughly USD 10-11).

Note: Complete route information, as well as details on how the new buses integrate with existing services, are not yet known. Once available, we will update the details on the bus page of our Shanghai Pudong Airport transportation guide.


Related resources
New airport bus routes - Shanghai Daily
Huge tour bus hub to serve Shanghai Disney - Travel Daily Asia
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) transportation guide
Shanghai Hongqaio International Airport (SHA) transportation guide
Shanghai Layover Ideas and Things to Do in Shanghai - LayoverIdeas

Sunday, 1 May 2016

Layover Ideas: Kuala Lumpur


Have a layover coming up in Kuala Lumpur? Lucky you. Are you now wondering what you might be able to do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Kuala Lumpur (or "KL" for short). Learn what they did, what was/wasn't worth it, and their tips... [read more].


Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog
• Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Sunday, 24 April 2016

New Denver Airport train

Train service to Denver Airport begins at Denver's Union Station
After much anticipation, Denver International Airport's new rail link to the city centre has opened for service.

Operating between a station at the south end of the airport terminal (below the brand new Westin Hotel, via the longest escalator ride in the state) to Union Station in central Denver, the sleek electric train ride takes 37 minutes to cover the 37 kilometre distance.

Onboard, passengers can charge their electronic devices while relaxing during the ride. Trains will run between 4:00am and 1:30am, with service every 15 minutes, and stops at 8 stations. Cars have ample room for luggage.

The adult fare is USD 9. No word yet on discounts for airport staff and commuters.

The Denver Airport train is part of the Denver metro system's Line A (officially, the "University of Colorado A Line").

Related resources
Denver Airport Line opens - Railway Gazette
Denver's new airport train starts service - USA Today
New Tehran Mehrabad Airport metro link
Price slash on Toronto's UPExpress airport train
Denver International Airport (DEN) transportation guide
Denver Layover Ideas and Things to Do in Denver

Sunday, 17 April 2016

Layover Ideas: Almaty

Kok Tobe Mountain, seen from Almaty
Have a layover coming up in Almaty, Kazakhstan? Wondering what you might be able to do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Almaty. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].


Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog
• Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Sunday, 10 April 2016

Layover Ideas: Philadelphia

Have a layover coming up in Philadelphia? Wondering what you could do with your time?

Here's a little inspiration. We've gathered the following stories from those who have experienced a layover in Philly. Learn what they did, if it was worth it, and their tips... [read more].


Want more layover ideas?
• Read more stories on the LayoverIdeas Blog
• Explore cities worldwide on LayoverIdeas.com

Related resources
Mugging: are you a target? 10 resources
Spot the deadly fake taxi on your international travels!
Dealing with taxi drivers
Dealing with touts
Airport arrival advice

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Piper, the Airport K9

To get a good look at Piper, click the photo above
Meet Piper the Airport K9. The 8-year-old border collie has worked at Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) since 2014. A wildlife control "airport K9", Piper's job is to scare birds away from the runway.

Piper became famous this week when he won this year's Shutter Shootout Photography Contest from the U.S. Coast Guard. Read the full story here, including how you can follow Piper in social media.

Related resources
Shutter Shootout 2016 Photo of the Year - Coast Guard Compass
Cherry Capital Airport Dog Wins US Coast Guard Photo Contest - Up North Live
Piper Airport K9 Profile - Traverse City Airport website
Airport K9
Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) transportation guide


Thursday, 31 March 2016

New Tehran Mehrabad Airport metro link

As we mentioned in our recent blog post about the opening Masshad Airport's new metro link in February, Iran is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure.

Now, Tehran's Mehrabad Airport (THR) received its own new metro link.

Service started on March 15th, and was inaugurated on March 29th.

A new 3 kilometre (1.5 mile) metro line extension runs southwest from Bimeh station, located between Meydan-e Azadi and Sharak-e Ekbatan stations.

The Bimeh branch line uses short trains with extra luggage space to shuttle passengers to/from 2 stations at Tehran Mehrabad Airport:
  • Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are served by the first station
  • Terminal 4 and Terminal 6 are served by the second station

Related resources
Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (THR) transportation guide
Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) transportation guide
Tehran metro serving Mehrabad Airport - Railway Gazette
Mehrabad airport subway line inaugurated on Tuesday - Tehran Times
Mehrabad International Airport connected to Tehran’s subway system - Real Iran
Mashhad Airport gets metro link - IHateTaxis Blog

Wednesday, 2 March 2016

Price slash on Toronto's UPExpress

UPExpress at Bloor Street station
creative commons image wiki commons
As we reported in October in New hope for Toronto's UPExpress, the slick new Toronto airport train had suffered since its opening with ridership far below projections. Marketed to the business traveller, the high fares on the empty trains were unaffordable for airport workers, and an annoying indulgence that few local travellers would fork out for. As the messy back story behind the launch fares has emerged, the pressure was heating up.

Now, 9 months after the service began, the Toronto Unuion Express airport train is being reborn with lower fares. The $27.50 cash fare will be slashed to $12. Presto card holders will pay $9, versus the prior $19. Airport workers will see their monthly pass price drop from $300 to $140. The new rates come into effect on March 9th.

And Torontonians are happy: according to a survey by the Toronto Star, 51% say the fares are fair now, and will avail themselves of the rail service. Better late than never!

Related resources
Metrolinx set UP Express price high despite warnings
Torontonians on board with lowered airport train fare, poll suggests
New hope for Toronto's UPExpress
Toronto joins the 21st century with Pearson airport train
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) transportation guide
Toronto City Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) transportation guide

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Mashad Airport gets metro link

Mashhad Metro 3.jpg
Mashhad Airport's metro link opened on February 6
Iran is upgrading its infrastructure with several new airport train connections.

In Mashhad, a new metro link to the city's airport opened on February 6.

The 6 kilometre (4 mile) extension of Metro Line 1 runs southeast from Ghadir, and makes a stop at Parvaz, before continuing on to Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International (MHD) Airport. Mashhad's metro system opened in 2011 and operates at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Meanwhile, construction is almost complete on the extension of Tehran's metro to Mehrabad Airport, the city's second busiest air hub. The new link is projected to open in March 2016.

Related resources
Mashad Airport (MHD) transportation guide
Mashad airport metro link open - Railway Gazette
Light rail reaches Mashhad airport - Rail Journal