Today, the Ontario government announced the completion of all stations and stops on the Finch West Line 6 light rail transit (LRT) project in northwest Toronto. While this brings communities like Rexdale, Emery and Jane-Finch closer to better connectivity, an opening date for LRT service has yet to be announced, leaving Torontonians anxiously awaiting the next announcement from the TTC.
Finch West LRT map, image courtesy of Metrolinx
“This is a critical milestone for commuters in our communities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario's Minister of Transportation. “We are moving forward on the projects that matter most – providing fast, reliable and accessible transit that connects more people to good-paying jobs and local housing.”
The Finch West LRT stretches 11 km along Finch Avenue West from Keele Street to Highway 27 and then south to Humber College's North Campus and has 18 access points. This includes 16 above-ground stations as well as two underground stations at the endpoints: Finch West and Humber College stations. Line 6 will connect to the existing rapid transit infrastructure at the Finch West station on the university's subway Line 1.
Finch West Station, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky
Line 6 is designed to reduce congestion and speed traffic on Finch Avenue West by providing a dedicated route that can carry approximately 46,000 passengers each weekday. Using zero-emission vehicles that can carry up to 300 passengers each and reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, the line's journey time is expected to be approximately 34 minutes from end to end. Trains are expected to run every five to seven minutes during peak hours and every seven to 10 minutes during off-peak hours.
Ahmed Hussen, Minister for International Development and Member of Parliament for York South—Weston, highlighted federal support for public transit across the country: Starting in 2026-2027, the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will contribute an average of $3 billion per year, an unknown portion of which will go to the TTC.
Humber College Station, photo by UrbanToronto Forum contributor aadamttaylor
The Finch West LRT will provide connections to local and regional transit services, including GO Transit, MiWay in Mississauga, Viva in York Region and Züm in Brampton, providing 230,000 people with access to efficient public transportation.
With construction now largely complete, the LRT will be handed over to the TTC. The focus now shifts to the light rail vehicles and systems to ensure safety and reliability. Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx, said: “Work continues on testing and commissioning activities in preparation for the line's opening. This includes beginning training of TTC operators.”
Mount Olive stop, photo by UrbanToronto Forum contributor BMO
Local leaders expressed optimism about the project's impact on the community. Michael Kerzner, MPP for York Centre, noted, “Today's announcement is another important milestone in our government's efforts to build the Finch West LRT. It brings residents one step closer to the safe, fast and more reliable transit they need to access jobs, housing and other opportunities.” Kirsty Duncan, MP for Etobicoke North, added, “The completion of the project is good news for our community. Families will now be able to get to work, school and the services they need in a more affordable, faster and sustainable way.”
Over the next decade, the Ontario government will invest nearly $70 billion in infrastructure and public transit to support the province's growing population. The Finch West LRT alone is expected to carry 12 million riders annually by 2031.
Looking west along the Finch West LRT from the Sentinel station, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky
Toronto is still waiting to announce the official opening date, but with the completion of all stations and stops, the Finch West LRT is one step closer to its goal of becoming a major part of Toronto's transportation network.
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