The grand opening of the newly unveiled Finch LRT Line 6 last Sunday was met with both jubilation and disappointment, according to City Councillor and TTC Commissioner, Josh Matlow. Matlow, along with a gathering of transit enthusiasts and TTC Board members, expressed frustration over the sluggish pace of the line, which they claim is failing to deliver on its promise of rapid transit.
Matlow emphasized the urgent need for full signal priority implementation on the Finch and Eglinton LRT routes to ensure that the transit vehicles can operate efficiently. He stressed that this upgrade is crucial to prevent the new infrastructure from being slower than the buses it was designed to replace. The councillor called for increased investments in signal priority along key transit routes to enhance the overall speed and efficiency of public transportation.
Highlighting the need for collaboration among key stakeholders, Matlow pointed out the existing challenges in coordinating efforts between Metrolinx, the City, and the TTC. He underscored that the technical solutions are readily available and affordable, urging swift action to optimize transit services for commuters.
Andrew Pulsifer, the Executive Director of transit advocacy group TTCriders, echoed Matlow’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of transit signal priority for improving the rider experience. Pulsifer emphasized that passengers deserve a seamless and efficient transit system after eagerly anticipating the launch of the Finch LRT.
Mayor Olivia Chow and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers have joined the call for swift improvements to enhance the speed and reliability of the Finch LRT Line 6. Chow pledged to introduce a motion advocating for transit signal priority, the removal of speed restrictions where feasible, and increased service frequency to address the current inefficiencies.
In response to the underwhelming performance of the Finch LRT, riders like Nicholas Christou and community organizer Butterfly Gopaul Jane expressed disappointment over the prolonged travel times and lackluster service quality. Christou described his inaugural ride on the line as frustratingly slow, while Jane highlighted the impact of inadequate transit on marginalized communities in the area.