Imagine a city's excitement as a new light rail transit (LRT) line opens, promising faster and more efficient travel. But here's where it gets controversial: the reality falls short, with the new Finch West LRT moving at a snail's pace, often slower than the buses it was meant to replace.
City councillor and TTC Commissioner Josh Matlow calls it an "abysmal failure" and an "absurd" situation. He, along with transit advocates and TTC Board members, gathered to demand action, highlighting the irony of so-called "rapid" transit vehicles crawling along.
"The city needs to implement full signal priority on the Finch and Eglinton LRT," Matlow insists. He argues that with the right investments and a simple agreement between the TTC and Metrolinx, they can ensure these vehicles live up to their name.
Andrew Pulsifer, Executive Director of TTCriders, agrees, calling for a "straightforward win" for riders. He believes the city must act quickly to address the issue of transit signal priority, ensuring riders get the efficient service they deserve.
Mayor Olivia Chow and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers seem to share this sentiment. Chow plans to introduce a motion this week, advocating for transit signal priority, increased service frequency, and the removal of speed caps where possible.
"The train is not as fast as it can be," Chow acknowledges. "I rode it, and I know it can be faster."
Myers, too, has a motion before the TTC Board, urging collaboration between the City and Metrolinx to speed up the line. He emphasizes the importance of "rapid transit" living up to its name, warning that slow LRTs could lead to congestion and defeat the purpose of investing billions in public transit.
Myers also wants to revolutionize the city-wide streetcar system, proposing changes to remove on-street parking and restrict left turns during peak periods on key routes. He believes this will prioritize public transit, ensuring streetcars move faster and more efficiently.
"We need a clear signal that public transit takes precedence," Myers argues. "It's time to prioritize people over individual vehicles and curbside parking."
A recent TTC Board review found that Toronto's streetcars are the slowest in the world, but Myers is optimistic that the political will exists to bring about change.
However, the initial excitement for the Finch LRT quickly faded for frustrated riders. Nicholas Christou, a local resident, expressed his disappointment after waiting years for the line's opening, only to find it painfully slow, offering no real improvement over the Finch bus.
Butterfly Gopaul Jane, a community organizer in the Finch neighbourhood, sees it as another systemic failure, impacting an already stigmatized part of the city.
"It's shameful that billions were invested, yet people aren't moving efficiently," she says.
So, the question remains: will the city and transit authorities take the necessary steps to ensure the Finch West LRT and other transit lines live up to their potential, providing efficient and rapid transportation for all?
