A Finch West LRT train runs along Finch Avenue West during a service demonstration, according to the Government of Ontario. (Government of Ontario)
Hundreds of people lined up before sunrise on Sunday as the Finch West LRT officially opened to the public. The TTC offered free rides all day after a strong push from local leaders. The festive launch marked the long-awaited arrival of Line 6, a project first introduced in 2007 and delayed many times over the years.
Mayor Olivia Chow greeted riders and spoke about the importance of the new route. “This is our first new (transit) line since 2002. So this opening is really something to celebrate. Wow,” she said. “Line six is open. Toronto is moving. This is just the beginning.”
City officials said the launch felt especially meaningful for residents and businesses in northwest Toronto. They dealt with years of noise, traffic, and construction barriers as the 10.3-kilometre line slowly took shape.
Free Rides Follow Political Push
The one-day fare waiver came after public calls from both city and provincial representatives. Ward 7 Councillor Anthony Perruzza wrote to the premier last week urging free opening-day rides. He said the gesture would help reconnect neighbourhoods that faced “7 years of construction hell.”
He also noted that riders travelled for free when the Spadina subway extension opened in 2017. An NDP MPP echoed his request and encouraged the province to work with the city on the decision. The province agreed, clearing the way for Sunday’s free travel.
Years of Delays and Higher Costs
Line 6 runs from Finch West Station to Humber College’s north campus. The route includes 18 stops along Finch Avenue West and links to nearly 30 bus routes. Construction began in 2019, but the line missed its original 2023 opening date due to repeated setbacks.
A recent report puts the total cost at $3.7 billion. That figure includes building, operating, and maintaining the system. The new total is more than $1 billion higher than the first estimate of $2.5 billion.
Just days before the opening, Mayor Chow toured the finished line with Premier Doug Ford. They both rode the train and viewed the completed stations.
Service Details for Riders
Line 6 begins regular service this week but will run under a “soft opening” phase until spring 2026. During this period, the TTC will monitor operations and make needed adjustments.
Key service features include:
- Service runs 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday
- Sunday service runs 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Shuttle buses replace trains nightly from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Final trains leave around 9:49 p.m.
- The 36C Finch West bus ends now that the LRT is open
Provincial officials say the new line puts more than 230,000 people within walking distance of rapid transit. Once service reaches full levels, the line should carry over 51,000 riders each weekday.
A Major Shift for Northwest Toronto
The opening marks a significant expansion of rapid transit in a part of the city long underserved by higher-capacity routes. For many riders, Sunday’s launch felt like a turning point. With crowds stretching around the building and trains filled with excited passengers, Toronto welcomed a new chapter in its transit network.
