New Transit Era Begins in Northwest Toronto
Toronto's long-anticipated Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT), officially designated as Line 6 Finch West, began revenue service on December 7, 2025. This new 11-kilometre (6.4-mile) light rail line is set to transform public transportation in the city's northwest, offering a vital new connection for residents and commuters. The opening was marked by celebrations, with hundreds of riders attending and enjoying free rides on the inaugural day.
The project, owned by provincial agency Metrolinx and operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), runs along Finch Avenue West, linking Finch West Station (connecting to TTC's Line 1 Yonge-University) to Humber College Station at the North Campus of Humber Polytechnic. It features 18 stops, including 16 surface stops and two underground stations at its termini.
Key Features and Impact
The Finch West LRT is designed to provide rapid, reliable, and accessible transit. Key features of the new line include:
- Dedicated Right-of-Way: The LRT operates in a dedicated lane in the centre of Finch Avenue West, separate from regular traffic, ensuring faster travel times.
- Accessibility: Vehicles are modern and fully accessible, featuring level boarding platforms, priority seating, and clear audio-visual announcements. Underground stations include elevators from street to track level.
- Connections: The line offers seamless connections to TTC Subway Line 1, approximately 30 TTC bus routes, and regional transit services such as York Region Transit, MiWay (Mississauga), and Brampton Züm.
- Ridership: The line is expected to serve over 51,000 riders each weekday and is projected to carry 12 million passengers annually by 2031.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated, 'The opening of the Finch West LRT is terrific news for commuters, delivering a fast, reliable and affordable way to travel across Toronto's northwest.' Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also commented, 'It's been a long time coming, but Toronto is in its biggest period of transit expansion in decades.'
Project Development and Costs
The Finch West LRT project, initially proposed in 2007 as part of the Transit City plan, experienced several delays. Construction officially began in 2019, with an original target opening date of 2021 or 2023. The estimated capital cost of the project was approximately $2.5 billion, funded by the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government. However, a recent report indicated a total cost of $3.7 billion, including lifecycle, operating, and maintenance expenses over 30 years.
The line will initially operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, with shuttle bus service replacing LRT operations overnight for maintenance. The introduction of the Finch West LRT is a significant step in addressing gridlock and fostering community growth in northwest Toronto.
5 Comments
Leonardo
While it's great to finally have the LRT open and improving accessibility for many, the years of delays and significant cost increases are definitely concerning for taxpayers.
Africa
The dedicated right-of-way will certainly speed up travel for riders, but the article also highlights the massive budget increase, which shouldn't be overlooked in the celebration.
Habibi
The accessibility features and connections are excellent additions to the network, but the final price tag of $3.7 billion for 11km raises questions about value for money and project management.
Michelangelo
This new line will undoubtedly benefit thousands of daily commuters and students, though the initial operating hours are limited, which might pose challenges for some residents.
Comandante
The cost overruns are absolutely ridiculous. Where did all that money go?