Full Breakdown
Toronto Man Races Finch LRT, Highlights Service Disruptions
12/15/2025, 8:43:52 PM
Service Disruptions Plague Finch LRT
The Toronto Transit Commission's (TTC) newly opened Finch Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 6 has faced significant service disruptions during its first week of operation. The line, which connects Finch West station to Humber Polytechnic’s north campus, has been criticized for slow travel times, with reports indicating trips taking up to 60 minutes to cover 10 kilometers. This prompted Mac Bauer, a Toronto resident and transit advocate, to challenge the LRT to a race, ultimately outrunning it by 18 minutes.
Bauer, who has been racing TTC vehicles for about a year, noted that the LRT's performance was disappointing, particularly in a region that has long been underserved by public transit. He observed that the LRT struggled with frequent stops and a lack of signal priority, which hindered its speed. “When the LRT was able to go and the stops [were] a little bit further apart, it was able to make some headway on me,” Bauer explained. “But as we got closer to Finch West, it seemed like the stops were getting closer and closer together and it just really bogged everything down.”
Official Responses and Future Improvements
In response to the issues raised, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green stated that Line 6 is currently in a soft opening phase. He emphasized that the TTC, along with Metrolinx and the City of Toronto, is committed to improving trip times through initiatives such as transit signal priority. Green expressed confidence that speeds would increase by spring when the LRT is expected to be fully operational.
Transit advocacy group TTCriders, represented by executive director Andrew Pulsifer, supported Bauer's efforts, highlighting the need for signal priority across the transit system. Pulsifer remarked, “People who take transit, they're making the right decision. They do deserve to have priority.”
Criticism of Transit Services
Bauer's experience reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness of Toronto's transit system. He criticized the current state of public transportation, stating, “The whole system is struggling. I pay a lot of taxes and I want the transit to be good.” His sentiments resonate with many commuters who have expressed frustration over the delays and inefficiencies of the new LRT line.
Conclusion: The Need for Improvement
As Toronto continues to grow, the demand for an efficient transit system becomes increasingly critical. Bauer's race against the Finch LRT serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the city's public transportation infrastructure, particularly as more people return to work. The need for improvements in transit services is clear, and stakeholders are urged to prioritize these changes to better serve the community.
