Toronto is racing to fix a glaring flaw in its brand new Finch West LRT line: its frustratingly slow speed. Initial hopes for a rapid transit solution quickly faded as riders discovered the trains were often outpaced by pedestrians.
The issue became a viral sensation when one resident documented himself easily beating the LRT to its destination – by a staggering 18 minutes. This embarrassing reality highlighted a critical oversight: the trains lacked signal priority at street intersections, forcing them to wait alongside regular traffic.
Data revealed the extent of the problem, with 350 delays recorded on the line in December alone. The slow speeds directly contradicted official projections, with end-to-end trips taking 50-55 minutes to cover the 10.3 km distance, far exceeding the promised 30 minutes.
City officials, operating in partnership with the TTC and Metrolinx, are now implementing “transit signal priority” at three key locations – Islington, Duncanwoods station, and Pearldale Ave. This technology will give the LRTs precedence over left-turning vehicles, streamlining their passage through intersections.
Mayor Olivia Chow has publicly committed to completing the installation by spring, aiming to have the system fully operational before the FIFA World Cup. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the need for a truly rapid transit experience.
The problem isn’t isolated to the Finch West line. Similar, though less severe, complaints have surfaced regarding the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. However, a significant portion of the Eglinton line runs underground, mitigating the impact of intersection delays.
TTC Chairman Jamaal Myers has acknowledged the public’s frustration, stating the current performance is “unacceptable,” especially considering the $3.5 billion investment in the project. He stressed that rapid transit must live up to its name to encourage ridership and alleviate road congestion.
The core concern is that if the LRTs remain slow, commuters will revert to driving, negating the intended benefits of the substantial investment in public transportation. The city is determined to deliver on the promise of efficient, reliable rapid transit.
The push for signal priority represents a swift response to public outcry and a commitment to rectify a significant flaw in Toronto’s newest transit infrastructure. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the LRT can finally deliver the speed and efficiency residents were promised.
