Toronto's Finch West LRT service dropped to 88% availability for a week due to harsh winter conditions, though officials report that improvements are being made.
The Finch West LRT in Toronto, which opened to great anticipation in December 2025, has faced significant challenges since its launch, particularly due to extreme winter weather. Service availability for the line was reported at only 88% for one week, raising concerns about its reliability and effectiveness in providing transportation for local commuters. Freezing temperatures have caused issues with the line's switching systems, leading to multiple service suspensions and the need for shuttle buses to accommodate stranded passengers.
Metrolinx, the transit agency managing the line, shared data indicating that while the service has struggled recently, overall availability since the launch has remained relatively high at an average of 94%. However, the dip to 88% during a particularly harsh week underscores the vulnerability of the light rail service to severe weather phenomena. This has raised questions about the infrastructure's readiness for future winter challenges and the adequacy of the contingency measures in place.
As officials work on resolving these issues, including upgrading the systems affected by the freezing temperatures, the focus remains on improving service reliability for commuters. Given that this LRT line is the first new transit project completed in Toronto in over two decades, the ongoing challenges may impact public perception and trust in the city's transportation development initiatives and could influence future transit policy decisions in the region.
