Toronto residents express dissatisfaction with Line 6 Finch West LRT implementation as technical issues persist, according to a recent poll conducted by Liaison Strategies. The poll revealed that a majority of respondents rated the LRT line as unsuccessful or very unsuccessful in its early days of operation, despite promises of a smooth ride in advertisements. Concerns arise about trust in the system and accountability for its shortcomings, especially with the upcoming launch of the Eglinton Crosstown.
When asked who they hold responsible for the reliability and maintenance of the Finch West LRT, the poll showed that 54% of respondents pointed to Metrolinx, the provincial transportation agency overseeing the project. However, opinions were divided among other stakeholders such as the TTC and the private-sector consortium responsible for building and maintaining the line.
The poll, which surveyed 1,000 Toronto residents, highlighted a margin of error of approximately 3.1 percentage points and was conducted shortly after the public opening of Line 6 Finch West. Despite ongoing technical issues leading to service suspensions, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria defended the line’s progress, citing a continuous effort to address operational and maintenance challenges.
As questions arise about the infrastructure’s design and functionality, concerns were raised regarding the use of electric heaters for track switches, contrasting with the approach taken in Ottawa’s LRT system. Sarkaria emphasized the importance of finding efficient solutions to improve service reliability and effectiveness, acknowledging the need for ongoing improvements.