I think the real problem is that we don't have a firm idea of what Metrolinx does or does not intend, and they are not accountable should they decide to change tack so long as they keep their political masters at Queens Park happy by going along with THEIR whims.
I think it's a perfectly valid question and one that Metrolinx should be answering.
If the auditor-general is right {and god knows I trust them more than Metrolinx} then the fares will have to be in the high $20 range. Toronto City Hall yesterday stated that fares should be "reasonable" {whatever the hell that means} but clearly there is pressure to keep the fares on the lower end.
I don't know of any transit lines that make money and certainly not one that is only expecting ridership of 5000 to 6000 / day so if it is running a deficit how will it keep running? The line is already expensive and if they need higher revenues that could easily scare off any potential passengers. This is particularly true of two or more passengers as their fares become uncompetitive with simply taking a taxi.
If they have to raise fares to $30 one way then they begin to be uncompetitive and especially if the passengers are going straight to Union for their hotel. If their hotel is even 4 or 5 blocks from Union that means they would have to spend another $6 to take the transit their as they won't carry their luggage. Sane people would just take the cab and not have to worry about finding their hotel little alone carry their luggage when they can get someone else to do it for them.
Also, seeing the line seems already quite unpopular with the general public I can't imagine Queen's Park being in a hurry to electrify a line that is geared strictly towards tourists and the business class when there are other pressing issues for that money that would better serve Torontonians themselves. Torontonians will not tolerate any of their tax dollars going towards UPX to help it keep running especially when they know how Metrolinx gave the GTAA $2 a fare extra for recover their "losses" on the parking revenue...........people not driving are having to subsidize those that do. Not exactly what you think of when you think of a supposed transit authority.
If the loses are obvious after even the first year, how will it keep operating? If it is run like a private business line it would go belly up and be put on the auction block.
This is something Metrolinx should be answering now, not later but Metrolinx has lied and been tight lipped around this whole line since day one that I'm sure they will simply avoid the question.