TORONTO, ON – TTCriders welcomes the rumoured long-awaited opening of Line 6 Finch West LRT, while underscoring the years-long delays that have eroded public confidence in the delivery of new transit across Toronto.
“Ultimately, this is good news. Line 6 will significantly improve travel for hundreds of thousands of transit users, and we are thrilled for riders who have been waiting for reliable rapid transit in this corridor,” said Andrew Pulsifer, Executive Director of TTCriders. “But let’s be honest, this should not have taken this long. While not as delayed as the Eglinton Crosstown, residents along Finch have been waiting for years for this project to open.”
The contrast with Line 5 Eglinton remains top of mind for many riders. Construction on the Eglinton Crosstown began 6 years before Finch West, yet there is still no confirmed opening date.
“We can’t continue down this path,” Pulsifer added. “How can the public trust that major projects like the Ontario Line or the Scarborough Subway Extension won’t experience the same delays and cost overruns? Riders deserve transparency, accountability, and clear timelines.”
Local residents share this mixed sense of relief and frustration.
“I’m so excited to see this line finally open,” said Rebeena Subadar, a longtime Jane and Finch resident. “But it shouldn’t have taken this long. We deserved more honesty and transparency throughout the entire process.”
TTCriders is calling for:
- A public inquiry into the extensive delays and cost overruns facing Lines 5 and 6;
- An end to public-private partnership (P3) delivery models that have repeatedly failed transit riders
- Greater accountability and transparency from Metrolinx and the Province to ensure future projects stay on schedule and meet riders’ needs.
“Confidence needs to be restored in the City and Province’s ability to carry out major transit works like this,” said Pulsifer. “The road to rebuilding that trust begins now.”
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