Finch West LRT Launches with Free Rides After Years of Delays

The Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) officially opened on Sunday, offering free rides for the day as part of its launch festivities. This event marks the introduction of Toronto’s first new transit line since 2002 and comes after a prolonged wait for residents and local businesses in northwest Toronto. The line, known as Line 6, was initially proposed in 2007 but experienced multiple delays due to political debates, funding changes, and construction setbacks.

Mayor Olivia Chow announced the fare waiver, describing the occasion as a significant milestone for the city. “This is our first new line since 2002. So this opening is really something to celebrate,” Chow stated during the launch. “Line 6 is open. Toronto is moving. This is just the beginning.” Ontario’s Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria also acknowledged the enthusiastic turnout, noting that “the line outside wraps around the building.”

Community Response and Political Support

The decision to offer free rides on the opening day was the result of public appeals from city officials, including Ward 7 Councillor Anthony Perruzza. In a letter to Premier Doug Ford, Perruzza called for the province to support the initiative, describing it as a “wonderful gesture” to help residents and businesses regain mobility. His letter referenced the federal government’s similar decision to waive fares during the 2017 opening of the Spadina subway extension to Vaughan.

In addition to local support, the New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) also urged the provincial government to collaborate with the city on this initiative, reinforcing the community’s desire for accessible transit options.

Project Overview and Future Operations

The Finch West LRT spans approximately 10.3 kilometres, connecting Finch West Station to the north campus of Humber College. The line was originally set to open in 2023, but construction, which began in 2019, faced significant delays. A recent report indicated that the total cost of the line has escalated to $3.7 billion, which is over $1 billion above the initial estimate of $2.5 billion.

In the days leading up to the launch, Chow and Ford toured the completed line, emphasizing its importance for the region. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) plans to operate Line 6 under “soft opening” conditions until spring 2026. Once fully operational, the new line is estimated to make rapid transit accessible to an additional 230,000 residents and is expected to carry over 51,000 riders each weekday.

The Finch West LRT’s opening marks a crucial step in expanding Toronto’s transit infrastructure, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for its residents. With the community’s support and the provincial government’s involvement, officials hope that this new addition will significantly enhance the public transit experience in the region.