The new Line 6 FINCH WEST Light Rail Transit line in Toronto was officially opened on 7 December 2025 and now connects the residential areas along Finch Avenue West to the local rail network. The 10.3-kilometre line has 18 stops and provides a direct connection between the Finch West transfer station, where there is a connection to the underground, and Humber College at the western end of the line. The line is being built and financed on a long-term model by the Mosaic Transit Group, while operations will be handled by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
The integration into the existing network is visible here: https://www.urbanrail.net/am/toro/toronto.htm
On opening day, the first scheduled train left Finch West station early in the morning, accompanied by an official ceremony with city and provincial representatives. Passengers were able to use the new line free of charge on the first day and received various souvenirs. During the morning and evening rush hours, trains run at intervals of approximately 6.5 minutes, and outside these times and on weekends at intervals of approximately 10 to 12 minutes. During the introductory phase, the train runs daily until around 10 p.m.; shuttle buses then take over before the regular bus network takes over at night.
Like the other two new light rail lines, Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Hurontario LR, the new line was built to European standard gauge, while the classic 12 city tram lines run on 1495 mm gauge. Since 2021, Alstom has delivered a total of 18 four-car ‘Citadis Spirit’ 100% low-floor trains for Line 6. They are part of a larger order for a total of 61 cars, the remaining 43 of which are destined for the Hurontario LRT currently under construction in the south-west of Greater Toronto. The trains are 48.5 metres long, each have seven double-width doors per side and are designed to carry 292 passengers, 120 of whom can be seated. They are powered by 750V direct current and are designed to operate without disruption even at temperatures as low as -38 degrees Celsius. Alstom has a 30-year service contract for vehicle maintenance.
After years of construction – marked by delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as logistical and contractual challenges – the opening marks a significant step in the expansion of Toronto’s public transport system. Line 6 is expected to make commuting in the north-west of the city noticeably easier by offering a reliable alternative to the existing, often slow bus routes that is largely independent of road traffic, although traffic light priority can still be improved. Connections to urban and regional transport providers such as GO Transit, MiWay, York Region Transit and Brampton Züm will also improve access to the entire region. This is an important step towards improving public transport services in the greater metropolitan area: in the medium term, approximately 12 million passengers are expected to use the new line every year.
We have already reported on the new line here:
https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/first-test-runs-torontos-finch-west-lrt/
