Toronto's transit transformation is a tale of two lines, and Mayor Olivia Chow is determined to get them moving. But here's where it gets controversial: one line is already open, and it's not living up to expectations.
'It Will Be So Much Better'
Mayor Chow has a plan to speed up the Finch West LRT, which has been criticized for its slow travel times. She aims to give the line priority at traffic signals, allowing trains to move ahead of turning cars. This, she believes, will significantly improve the line's speed by early next year.
However, the mayor also acknowledges that the highly anticipated Line 6, which opened recently, is facing similar issues. She rode the line herself and experienced the slow travel times first-hand. But she assures the public that her proposed motion at city council will address these concerns.
"Next week, I'll ask them to fix it, and by January or February, it'll be faster. It'll be a vast improvement," she stated confidently.
But here's the catch: the Finch West LRT is not entirely under the city's jurisdiction yet. Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency, still operates the trains. Despite this, Mayor Chow is confident that collaboration between the TTC and Metrolinx will make her vision a reality.
"It requires Metrolinx and the TTC to work together to prioritize the trains at traffic lights and adjust bylaws so that left turns are given second priority, ensuring the trains have the right of way first," she explained.
And this is the part most people miss: the mayor is also keeping a close eye on another transit project, the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT, which has been delayed for years. Despite the frustration of riders and advocates, Mayor Chow emphasizes the importance of safety, drawing lessons from Ottawa's rushed 2019 launch of its Confederation Line, which faced multiple issues.
"The Crosstown LRT is not ready yet. We need to ensure it's foolproof and safe. We don't want a repeat of Ottawa's experience, where they rushed the opening and faced power outages, operational problems, and even derailments. Safety must come first," she said.
So, will Mayor Chow's plans for the Finch West LRT and her cautious approach to the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT be enough to satisfy the public's transit needs? What do you think? Should safety always trump speed, or is there a balance to be found? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
