A Shocking Verdict: 70% of Toronto Residents Say the Finch West LRT Rollout is a Failure!
Posted January 13, 2026
It's no secret that the Line 6 Finch West LRT has faced its share of challenges. From technical glitches causing service suspensions to slower-than-expected travel times, the new transit line has left many Toronto residents feeling frustrated. But just how dissatisfied are they? A recent poll reveals some startling numbers.
According to a poll released by Liaison Strategies, a staggering 70% of those surveyed consider the LRT's implementation to be unsuccessful. Let's break down the numbers: 62% classified it as “very unsuccessful,” while another 8% deemed it simply “unsuccessful.”
On the flip side, only 13% found it “somewhat successful,” and a mere 5% rated it as “very successful.”
"We knew that there would likely be growing pains, but advertisements promoting the line, found on subway trains and TTC buses, promised a 'smooth' ride – it has been anything but," said David Valentin, a principal with Liaison Strategies.
The Blame Game: Who's Responsible?
When asked who they hold responsible for the LRT's reliability and maintenance, a majority pointed the finger at Metrolinx, the provincial transportation agency that owns Line 6 and oversaw the private-sector consortium (Mosaic Transit Group) responsible for building and maintaining it. 54% of respondents held Metrolinx accountable.
21% believed the TTC was responsible, while 11% were unsure. Only 9% thought it was a shared responsibility between the TTC and Metrolinx. A small percentage pointed to Mosaic Transit Group, the City of Toronto, and the Ontario government.
"The question now is whether trust can be rebuilt and just as importantly, who Torontonians will hold responsible if it can’t?" Valentin added, highlighting the stakes as the Eglinton Crosstown is expected to open soon.
The Numbers Don't Lie
The poll, conducted by Liaison Strategies, surveyed 1,000 Toronto residents between December 19 and 21, with results weighted to match the 2021 census. The margin of error was approximately 3.1%, meaning the true figures could vary slightly.
A Look Back: Construction and Costs
Construction on the Finch West LRT began in 2018 under the previous government. The initial estimated cost was $2.5 billion, including construction and 30 years of maintenance. However, a report from Metrolinx revealed that as of September 30, $2.45 billion had already been spent, with the current baseline cost, excluding certain items, reaching $3.75 billion.
Government Response and Ongoing Issues
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria defended the launch, citing a “progressive ramp-up” of service. He attributed most issues to operational and maintenance procedures. He emphasized that the infrastructure itself is solid, unlike the problems faced in Ottawa.
One of the notable issues involved how track switches operate, especially during inclement weather. Line 6 Finch West was built with electric heaters, unlike the Ottawa LRT, which uses gas-powered heaters. Sarkaria explained that gas switches were not feasible due to residential areas on both sides of the tracks. He stated that they are working with maintenance partners (Mosaic Transit Group) to improve efficiency.
Controversy Alert: The Ontario NDP has called for a public inquiry into Metrolinx. Tom Rakocevic, MPP for Humber River–Black Creek, highlighted a video that appeared to show a jogger outrunning the train.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed understanding of the riders' frustration but deferred to the provincial government and Mosaic. She stated that they are working with Metrolinx and the TTC to expedite fixes.
What do you think?
Do you agree with the poll's findings? Who do you think is most responsible for the issues plaguing the Finch West LRT? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
