Toronto

Union Pearson Express warning bell annoys Junction Triangle residents

The new Union Pearson Express train is disturbing the lives of some residents in west Toronto who say its warning bell rings out every 15 minutes almost the entire day.

Confusion over whether rules fall under Transport Canada or Metrolinx jurisdiction

UP Express is a rail link that connects Union Station to Pearson Airport and that stops at Bloor, Weston and Pearson stations.
The Union Pearson Express travels between downtown and the airport, with departures every 15 minutes. The warning bells that sounds each time it approaches Bloor Station are annoying some residents in the area. (Mike Cole/CBC)

The new Union Pearson Express train is disturbing the lives of some residents in west Toronto who say its warning bell rings out every 15 minutes almost the entire day.

People in the Junction Triangle say the trains that began running from Union Station to Pearson International Airport in June go by from 5 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., ringing their warning bells as they approach Bloor Station, one of two stops they make along the way.

"Everyone has to be a little quieter at 11 o'clock," said Tom Hasiak, board chair of a condo across the street from the tracks. "Why shouldn't the train be held to the same accountability?    

Murray Munro, who lives in the same condo, says the train has been disturbing "an awful lot" of people. 

"I've noticed my sleep patterns have changed. And it's horrible," he said.

Metrolinx says Transport Canada requires warning bells because work is still being done along that section of the track. But local Coun. Ana Bailao says it's not Transport Canada's jurisdiction and believes the rules need to be sorted out with Metrolinx.

The provincial Crown agency says it's open to meeting residents.