Full Breakdown
Toronto's Finch West LRT: A Slow Start and Future Improvements
12/13/2025, 9:51:31 PM
Overview of the Finch West LRT Launch
The Finch West LRT, Toronto's first new transit line in 23 years, officially opened this week after six years of construction. The $2.6 billion light rail line spans 11 kilometers and is designed to serve over 200,000 commuters along the city's northern corridor. However, the initial performance of the line has raised concerns about its promised speed and reliability.
Performance Comparisons and Initial Critiques
Shortly after its launch, Toronto runner Mac Bauer demonstrated that he could traverse the Finch West route faster on foot than the LRT. In an Instagram video, Bauer completed the 10.27-kilometer distance from Humber College to Finch West Station in 46 minutes, while the train took 64 minutes. A CBC Toronto reporter also found that the round trip on the LRT exceeded 47 minutes each way, slower than the finishing times of many runners in local races. Bauer expressed frustration with the transit system, stating, “Previously, they were such a fun form of transportation, but recently they no longer feel safe, and with the population growing and congestion getting worse, the speed and reliability are horrible.”
Operational Issues in the First Week
The Finch West LRT has encountered several operational challenges since its opening. Service disruptions occurred multiple times within the first week due to mechanical issues and an intruder on the tracks. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reported that service was temporarily halted on several occasions, prompting the use of shuttle buses between affected stations. Metrolinx is currently investigating these mechanical problems.
Mayor's Response and Proposed Improvements
In response to the slow travel times and operational issues, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced plans to introduce a city council motion aimed at enhancing transit signal priority for the Finch West LRT. This measure would allow trains to have precedence over turning vehicles at traffic signals, potentially improving travel times. Chow acknowledged the complaints from riders and expressed optimism that the service could become faster by early 2026 if her proposal is approved.
Criticism and Future Outlook
Despite the initial setbacks, Mayor Chow emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of the transit system, referencing the rushed launch of Ottawa's LRT in 2019, which faced significant operational problems. She stated, “It needs to be foolproof,” indicating a cautious approach to future transit developments. The proposed changes to signal priority are expected to be discussed in the upcoming city council meeting, with hopes for implementation by the end of winter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When the train gets to a traffic signal, they should have priority.” — Mayor Olivia Chow
- “It’s not ready. The train needs to be ready. It needs to be foolproof,” — Mayor Olivia Chow
- “Previously, they were such a fun form of transportation, but recently they no longer feel safe, and with the population growing and congestion getting worse, the speed and reliability are horrible,” — Mac Bauer
The Finch West LRT's early performance has sparked significant discussion about the effectiveness of Toronto's transit infrastructure, with city officials and riders alike advocating for improvements to enhance service reliability and speed.
