A new pricing structure that cuts the cost by more than half came into effect on the Union Pearson Express train Wednesday morning.

The one-way trip from Toronto’s main rail station to the city’s main airport will now cost $9 with a Presto electronic fare card or $12 without, down from $19 and $27.50 respectively.

Riders who use the train to get to Weston or Bloor GO rail stations will now pay the same fares as riders of regular GO trains.

Provincial transit agency Metrolinx said earlier this year that the train was running at about 10 per cent capacity in Nov. and Dec. 2015, with only 2,450 riders each day, far below the service’s first year target of 5,000 riders per day.

In response, Metrolinx launched promotions in December where riders paid for one-way and received a round trip.

On Family Day weekend, Metrolinx made the service completely free and it drew 10,000 riders.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca said the discount is meant to spur use of the service, which cost $456 million to build, rather than bring ridership up to the level where the rail link can pay for its own operating costs.

“When trains are running mostly empty you’re never going to be in a position where you can break even.”

There are additional discounts in place for families travelling together as well as seniors.

Airport employees can now buy a monthly pass for $140.