Quote:
Originally Posted by lightrail
Sorry, but I disagree. But then, I've never liked Vancouver's zone system, it's actually quite unfair. Making Sea-Island a zone three is just a cash grab.
A direct express train to the airport, like Heathrow Express - yes, fine. It's dedicated for the airport.
But Canada Line is just a subway line. Airport passengers get to stand with the rest of the crowds.
London Underground Piccadilly Line to Heathrow has no special fares for the airport. Most European cities connect their airports to the city with trains, trams, subway or LRT and no "premium" fares are charged to get to the airport.
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The part about the Piccadilly Line is true, but just like in Vancouver, its in a different travel zone. It's in Zone 6, meaning its about $7 fare from central London. And passengers are mixed in with other travellers just like on the Canada Line. And really, people going to YVR aren't going to be on the train more than 15-20 minutes. Not to mention its not like you're standing holding your bags, you can put them on the ground!
Another thing, the time between Waterfront and YVR is about the same as it'll take you to get to Heathrow via the Heathrow Express, yet that costs 17 pounds ($30). Even the Heathrow Connect is about $12 and takes half an hour and runs only twice an hour. Also if you look at getting to other airports in London, Gatwick Express is about $15 and takes about as long as the Canada Line, Stansted Express is $35 and takes almost 50 minutes! Don't compare to London and the complain about prices.
Also if you look at Berlin, Tegel Airport doesn't even have rail connection and Schoenefeld is in it's own zone. In Frankfurt the airport has its own rate. Schiphol in Amsterdam also has its own fare.
I'll agree that most airport in Europe don't have their own "special fare" but I'd say about 90% of the time they're in the outer most fare zone, usually with just 1 or 2 other stations, essentially making it their own fare zone.