After years of delays, debate, and construction headaches, Toronto’s Finch West LRT (Line 6) officially opened Sunday morning — and the city showed up early. Hundreds of riders lined up around the building as the TTC offered one day of free service, a gesture pushed by local politicians and endorsed by Mayor Olivia Chow.

The opening marks Toronto’s first brand-new rapid transit line since 2002, and a major milestone for northwest Toronto, where residents and businesses “endured seven years of construction hell” to see Line 6 come to life.

“This is something to celebrate,” said Chow. “Line 6 is open. Toronto is moving. This is just the beginning.”

A Project Years in the Making

Originally proposed in 2007, the 10.3-kilometre LRT runs from Finch West Station to Humber College’s north campuswith 18 stops and connections to roughly 30 bus routes. Construction began in 2019 under Metrolinx, but the project suffered repeated setbacks and cost overruns. A recent report put the total price at $3.7 billion, over $1 billion more than first estimated.

Political Pressure for Free Opening-Day Rides

Both Ward 7 Councillor Anthony Perruzza and an NDP MPP pressed Queen’s Park to waive fares for launch day. Perruzza argued it would be “a wonderful gesture” for residents who lived through the disruption — and pointed out that Ottawa covered fares for the Spadina subway extension opening in 2017.

The province agreed, and crowds lined up in massive numbers to celebrate the moment.

What Riders Need to Know

The TTC says Line 6 will operate in “soft opening” mode until spring 2026, with these key details:

• Hours:

  • Mon–Sat: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Sun: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Nightly service: Shuttle buses replace trains from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

• Connections: Links to Line 1 at Finch West Station and ~30 bus routes

• Last trains: Depart around 9:49 p.m. in both directions

• Service changes: Temporary 36C Finch West bus service ends

Once fully ramped up, the line is expected to put 230,000 more people within walking distance of rapid transit and carry more than 51,000 riders per weekday.

After nearly two decades of planning and setbacks, Line 6 is finally rolling — and northwest Toronto is officially on the move.