Commuters on Toronto’s new Finch West LRT faced a frustrating start to their Thursday, experiencing two separate service disruptions within hours of each other. The line, which only recently opened to the public, was temporarily halted due to switch issues, leaving riders stranded and questioning the promise of rapid transit.
The first interruption occurred around 6 a.m., with a swift restoration of service. However, just after 7:15 a.m., the transit agency announced a complete shutdown between Finch West and Humber College stations. Forty shuttle buses were quickly deployed to mitigate the impact, but delays stretched beyond thirty minutes before trains resumed operation shortly before 8 a.m.
These incidents arrive at a particularly sensitive time for the transit agency, already grappling with a wave of complaints regarding sluggish service on the newly launched line. Despite scheduled rush-hour departures every six-and-a-half minutes, riders report significantly longer wait times.
The ten-kilometre Finch West LRT represents Toronto’s first new transit line in over two decades, a significant undertaking marred by delays and escalating costs. The project ultimately opened two years behind its initial 2023 target, with a final price tag $1.2 billion over the original estimate.
Mayor Olivia Chow, present at the celebratory first run on Sunday, has now vowed to intervene, responding to the growing chorus of rider dissatisfaction. TTC Chairman Jamaal Myers echoed this sentiment, labeling the current service levels “unacceptable.”
Myers is preparing to introduce motions aimed at accelerating service not only on the Finch West line, but also on the yet-to-open Eglinton LRT and the entire streetcar network. He emphasized the critical need for speed, warning that slow service will discourage riders and undermine the substantial investment in public transit.
The Finch West LRT’s journey to completion was far from smooth. First proposed in 2007 during David Miller’s mayoral term, the project endured years of political debate, funding uncertainties, and repeated construction setbacks, drawing criticism from local residents.
Construction finally began in 2019, but the path remained challenging. Recent reports indicate the line’s total cost reached $3.7 billion, a stark illustration of the complexities and financial burdens associated with large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, also conceived in 2007, has faced similar hurdles, accumulating a cost exceeding $13 billion. Premier Doug Ford recently projected its opening in 2026, but the project’s history suggests further delays remain a possibility.
The current issues with the Finch West line underscore a fundamental question: can Toronto deliver on the promise of truly rapid transit? The success of these new LRT lines is crucial not only for easing congestion but also for justifying the massive public investment and encouraging a shift towards sustainable transportation.
