Line 6 Finch West

Summary

Line 6 Finch West, also known as the Finch West LRT,[8] is a light rail line under construction in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to be operated by the Toronto Transit Commission. The 10.3-kilometre (6.4 mi),[5] 18-stop line is to extend from Finch West station on Line 1 Yonge–University to the North Campus of Humber College in Etobicoke. The line will operate in a dedicated above-ground right-of-way, much of it within Finch Avenue, segregated from street traffic. The line will use transit signal priority and standard gauge rather than the broad Toronto gauge. The line is forecast to carry about 14.6 million rides a year or 40,000 a day by 2031[9] and will replace the 36B Finch West bus route (west from Finch West station), which is one of the three busiest bus routes in Toronto.[9][10] Line 6 was expected to open within the first half of 2024,[11] with an estimated cost of CA$2.5 billion.[12] For budget purposes, the TTC made the assumption that Line 6 would open no earlier than September 2024.[13] However, the builder, Mosaic Transit Group, expects the line to open by the end of 2024.[4]

Line 6 Finch West
Mount Olive stop under construction in November 2023
Overview
StatusUnder construction[1]
OwnerMetrolinx
LocaleToronto, Ontario
TerminiFinch West
Humber College
Stations18
Service
TypeLight rail
SystemToronto subway
Operator(s)Toronto Transit Commission
Depot(s)York Gate Blvd and Norfinch Dr[2]
Rolling stockAlstom Citadis Spirit[3]
History
Planned openingQ4 2024[4]
Technical
Line length10.3 km (6.4 mi)[5]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line750 V DC
Operating speed60 km/h (37 mph)[6]
SignallingThales SelTrac CBTC[7]
Route map

Humber College
Westmore
Martin Grove
Albion
Stevenson
Mount Olive
Rowntree Mills
Pearldale
Duncanwoods
Milvan Rumike
Emery
Signet Arrow
Norfinch Oakdale
Maintenance facility
Jane and Finch
Driftwood
Tobermory
Sentinel
Finch West

Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible

History edit

 
Finch West station on Line 1 Yonge–University will be the eastern terminus of the line

Finch Avenue West is currently served by the 36 Finch West bus, one of the three busiest Toronto Transit Commission bus routes in Toronto with about 42,600 passengers per weekday. Forecasted demand in 2031 would require 32–39 articulated buses or 45–55 standard buses to serve the route.[10]

Early proposals edit

In March 2007, Toronto mayor David Miller announced the 17-kilometre (11 mi) Etobicoke–Finch West LRT as part of the Transit City project to build several light-rail lines within the city.[14][15] The western terminus of the line would be built in the Highway 27 / Humber College area in Etobicoke. The line would run along Finch Avenue West eastward, terminating at Finch station in North York.[14]

On April 1, 2009, the Government of Ontario announced that it would provide funding for construction of this line from Humber College to Don Mills station via Finch West and Finch stations, opening in 2013.[16][17] In March 2010, the Ontario government budgeted less for building transit. As a result, it eliminated the proposed section of the line east of Finch West station.[14]

In December 2010, Mayor Rob Ford cancelled the line after taking office.[18] However, in February 2012, city council voted to restore the project, along with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (later renamed Line 5 Eglinton), as part of a new transit plan, restoring some of the elements of the Transit City proposal over Mayor Ford's objections.[19]

In April 2012, Metrolinx proposed to start construction on the Finch West LRT in 2015, with the line opening in 2018.[14] By November 2012, when the city and province signed an LRT master agreement, construction for the line was to begin in 2015 for completion in 2020.[9] In April 2015, the province announced that construction of the line would start in 2016 for completion in 2021.[9]

Procurement edit

In September 2015, the Government of Ontario announced that its agency, Infrastructure Ontario, would search for a contractor to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West LRT. The successful contractor would be chosen by 2017. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was released to select companies in February 2016[20] and closed on December 20, 2017.[21]

In May 2017, Metrolinx confirmed that it had entered into an agreement with Alstom to build 17 (later revised to 18[12]) light rail vehicles for Line 6 Finch West.[20] In September 2017, Metrolinx announced the line would not open until 2022 at the earliest, blaming the delay on uncertainty with the Bombardier vehicle supply.[22]

In April 2018, Mosaic Transit Group, a consortium of ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., Aecon, and CRH Canada Group Inc., was selected to build the transit line.[23][24] After consultation with Mosaic on a construction schedule, Metrolinx delayed projected completion of the line to 2023, ten years after the originally announced date.[25] That May, Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx announced that Mosaic had signed a contract to design, build, and finance the construction of the line and stations, and to maintain them for 30 years after their initial opening.[26]

Effective June 20, 2021, the TTC renumbered the Bay bus route from 6 to 19 to free up the route number 6 for the Finch West line.[27]

Construction edit

 
Rail and catenary pole installation at John Garland Boulevard in December 2022

Initial preparatory utility works began in 2016. Enbridge Gas Distribution relocated natural gas pipelines lower within the roadway to allow for an appropriate depth beneath the proposed track-bed.[28] Other utility work followed, with replacement and relocation of watermains, hydro poles and hydro cables.[29] In the second quarter of 2019, substantial construction of the project began with work on the maintenance and storage facility (MSF).[1]

In June 2020, the Highway 400 overpasses over Finch Avenue were removed and replaced over two consecutive weekends, using a "rapid bridge replacement" technique. This involved moving the old overpass aside in one piece and installing a new overpass in its place.[30][31] By late October 2020, the first rails were being installed at the line's new maintenance and storage facility,[32] with the first vehicles scheduled to arrive in mid-2021.[29]

In December 2020, Mosaic Transit Partners awarded Bombardier Transportation a 30-year contract to maintain Line 6's light-rail vehicles as well as wayside systems such as track and overhead catenary. Bombardier was also chosen to maintain the fleet and wayside systems for Line 5 Eglinton in a different contract.[33]

In January 2021, the first of 11 traction power substations that will power the trains was installed. This first substation would power an initial 1,800-metre (5,900 ft) section of track between Norfinch Road / Oakdale Drive and Sentinel Road to allow for train testing.[29]

In late January 2022, the first vehicle test on the Finch West LRT occurred at its maintenance and storage facility. During the test, a vehicle travelled 700 m (2,300 ft) at speeds between 2 km/h (1.2 mph) and 5 km/h (3.1 mph).[34] In February 2022, an LRV made a 700-metre (2,300 ft) trip from the MSF along York Gate Boulevard onto Finch Avenue.[35] Main line testing was expected to take place in late 2022.[34]

By May 2022, Mosaic Transit Group had laid about 35 percent of the 25.6 kilometres (15.9 mi) of total track required to complete the line. Besides the double-track mainline, the total track to be laid included the maintenance and storage facility, crossovers and pocket tracks.[5] Mosaic had already laid 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi) of track on the mainline between Pelican Gate (near the MSF) and Sentinel Road, which, starting May 20, was to be used for LRV testing with speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph).[36] By September 1, 2022, 47 percent of mainline track had been laid.[37]

By late November 2022, the first eight platform canopies had been installed at the Driftwood stop; 116 canopies were to be installed, including two at Humber College station. Earlier in the fourth quarter, the first two electrical cabinets were installed at the Driftwood stop. 29 cabinets were to be installed along the line to power lights, fare machines and security systems.[38]

By the end of March 2023, 56 of the 116 canopies were installed, 75 percent of the catenary poles were installed and 50 percent of the mainline tracks had been laid (not including the maintenance and storage facility).[39]

By late June 2023, canopies have been fully or partially installed at Sentinel, Tobermory, Driftwood, Jane and Finch, Norfinch/Oakdale, Signet Arrow, Duncanwoods, Rowntree Mills, Stevenson, Albion, Martin Grove and Westmore stops.[40]

By October 2023, all rail and overhead catenary had been installed, and all 18 light-rail vehicles had received their final acceptance.[41] By November 2023, all platform canopies had been installed.[42]

Route edit

 
Schematic map of Line 6 Finch West, with thick line indicating tunnelled and below-grade sections

Route description edit

 
Installed track slab in the section descending to Humber College station under construction in December 2022
 
Light rail portal descending into Finch West station under construction in March 2023

From west to east, the 10.3-kilometre (6.4 mi)[5] line will run from Humber College's North Campus at Highway 27 in Etobicoke to Finch West station on Line 1 Yonge–University, at Keele Street in North York. Between the two terminals, there will be 16 on-street stops, all along Finch Avenue,[9] where tracks run in the middle of the street, segregated from traffic. In mid-block, the street will be 36 metres (118 ft) wide, with the LRT right-of-way being about 8 metres (26 ft) wide.[12]

From its western terminal, Humber College station, the line will run north in a trench along the west side of Highway 27 to its intersection with Finch Avenue, where the line will curve east in a short tunnel under the intersection and rise to street level along Finch Avenue.[43]: 17 

On Finch Avenue east of Highway 27, there will be two centre-reserved lanes for the LRT flanked by two traffic lanes in each direction as well as bike lanes.[12] The Westmore stop will be the first stop (from west to east) of 16 along the route.[44]

After passing the Martin Grove stop, the line will circumvent the north edge of the Albion Centre shopping mall[a] with three stops: Albion, Stevenson and Mount Olive located within a distance of about 800 metres (2,625 ft).[44][46]

At the Rowntree Mills stop, the line will cross the Humber River where Islington Avenue and Finch Avenue intersect on a bridge over the river with far-side stops on opposite sides of the river.[b][46]

The line passes the Pearldale, Duncanwoods, Milvan Rumike, Emery, and Signet Arrow stops before passing under Highway 400.[46][47] One block east of the Norfinch Oakdale stop, at York Gate Boulevard, there will be a wye junction to the line's maintenance and storage facility.[48] The next stop, Jane and Finch, will be a transfer point to the 35 Jane bus, which was the TTC's fifth busiest bus route in 2018.[c][49]

After passing the Driftwood and Tobermory stops, Line 6 runs over Black Creek and the Sentinel stop will be the last on-street stop before the line's eastern terminal. About 500 m (1,600 ft) east of the latter stop, opposite Romfield Lane, the line will descend into a tunnel under Keele Street to terminate inside Finch West station.[48]

The line will serve several neighbourhoods along its route. Between Highway 27 and the Humber River, the line will serve the Rexdale neighbourhood of Etobicoke, which includes the Mount Olive–Silverstone–Jamestown neighbourhood (also known as Smithfield). There will be five on-street stops in the neighbourhood excluding the Rowntree Mills stop, which straddles the Etobicoke / North York boundary at the Humber River.[50] Between the Humber River and Highway 400 in North York, the line will serve the Humber Summit neighbourhood on the north side of Finch Avenue[51] and Humbermede on the south side.[52] There are five on-street stops in this area again, excluding Rowntree Mills. Between Highway 400 and Keele Street (Finch West station), the line will serve the Jane and Finch neighbourhood, which includes its namesake stop along with four other on-street stops.[53]

Stations and stops edit

Stop Type Platform[d] Notes Connections proposed as of October 2022[54]
Humber College Open trench Centre On Humber College North Campus at Highway 27.[55] TTC and regional buses
Westmore On-street Parallel At Westmore Drive, east side[44]
  • 96D Wilson
  • 927 Highway 27 Express
Martin Grove On-street Centre At Martin Grove Road, west side[44]
  • 46 Martin Grove
  • 927 Highway 27 Express
Albion On-street Centre At Albion Road, west side[44]
  • 73C Royal York
  • 118 Thistle Down
Stevenson On-street Centre Near Stevenson Road;[e] west of an access road to the Albion Centre shopping mall[a][44]
Mount Olive On-street Centre At Kipling Avenue, east side,[46] in the Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown (Smithfield) neighbourhood
  • 45 Kipling
  • 945 Kipling Express
Rowntree Mills On-street Far-side At Islington Avenue, next to Rowntree Mills Park, near the Gord and Irene Risk Community Centre[f][46]
  • 37B Islington
  • 937 Islington Express
Pearldale On-street Centre At Pearldale Avenue, west side,[46] near Finchdale Plaza[58]
Duncanwoods On-street Far-side At Duncanwoods Drive[47]
Milvan Rumike On-street Far-side At Milvan Drive and Rumike Road[47]
  • 119B Torbarrie
  • 166 Toryork
Emery On-street Far-side At Weston Road[47] in the Emery neighbourhood
  • 119B Torbarrie
  • 165 Weston Road North
  • 166 Toryork
  • 989 Weston Express
Signet Arrow On-street Far-side At Signet Drive and Arrow Road[47]
  • 84C Sheppard West
  • 99 Arrow Road
  • 119B Torbarrie
Norfinch Oakdale On-street Far-side At Norfinch Drive and Oakdale Road;[47] near maintenance facility[2]
  • 84D Sheppard West
  • 99 Arrow Road
Jane and Finch On-street Far-side At Jane Street[48] in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood
  • 35 Jane
  • 99 Arrow Road
  • 935 Jane Express
Driftwood On-street Far-side At Driftwood Avenue[48]
  • 108 Driftwood
Tobermory On-street Far-side At Tobermory Drive[48]
Sentinel On-street Far-side At Sentinel Road[48]
  • 106 Sentinel
Finch West Underground Centre At Keele Street

Line 1 Yonge–University[59]
TTC buses

In January 2018, to avoid naming conflicts with existing TTC and GO stations in Toronto, a consultation process was initiated to select unique names for the stops at Jane, Kipling, Islington, and Weston; the initial suggestions were Jane and Finch, Mount Olive, Thistletown, and Emery Village, respectively.[60] Based on public feedback, Rowntree Mills was also considered, and ultimately selected, for the stop at Islington, while Emery was chosen as the name for the stop at Weston.[61]

Stop description edit

The line will be built with 18 stops, of which 16 are on-street. Each platform will be 48 metres (157 ft) long, the length of an LRT vehicle. Finch West station will be built as a double-length underground station with a centre platform.[59]

All stops and the two terminal stations will use transparent glass for walls, partitions and skylights. The terminal stops will use transparent glass for elevators and their shafts. This is to conform to crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) standards to create a bright and safe environment for riders. Using glass takes advantage of natural light to provide a more attractive environment for riders.[62]

The on-street stops will have canopies, lights, fare machines, cameras and a PA system.[38] Each station and stop will have four screens as part of a passenger information system. The screens will provide arrival times and any news about service on the line. Platforms will also have intercoms for general assistance and emergencies.[42] There will be electrical cabinets at each stop to power electrical equipment and to provide backup power in case of an outage.[38]

Operations edit

 
Alstom Citadis Spirit vehicles used on Line 6 Finch West

The line will be operated by the Toronto Transit Commission and maintained by Mosaic Transit Group as part of the public–private partnership contract with Metrolinx.[63] A fleet of 18 Alstom Citadis Spirit vehicles will be used on the line. Dedicated tracks separated from traffic and transit signal priority at intersections[12] will allow the line to provide service 20 percent faster than buses in mixed traffic, as well as increase reliability due to its segregation from traffic.[10] The line will also remove 35 morning and 29 afternoon peak period buses from existing traffic lanes.[10]

According to Metrolinx, Line 6 will have a frequency of every five to seven minutes during peak hours and seven to ten minutes at off-peak times. The estimated travel time between terminals will be 38 minutes.[12] Bicycles will be allowed on board, stored in the bicycle racks inside the vehicles, during the off-peak hours.[64] The line will support Presto fare media.[10]

The maximum operating speed for vehicles on the mainline will be 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph). The line has nine traction power substations stored in pre-built structures along the line.[6]

The line will carry about 42,600 passengers per weekday. By 2031, projected ridership is around 2,800 passengers per hour in the peak direction.[10] Annual operating and maintenance costs are estimated to be $51.5 million in 2022, before deducting fare revenue and costs saved by eliminating parallel bus service.[65]

Intermediate turnback points edit

The line will have six intermediate turnback points in addition to the turnbacks at the two terminal stations. All but one turnback point have a pair of crossovers, one facing-point and the other trailing-point. The crossovers at or near the Westmore and Sentinel stops are just one stop away from the western and eastern terminals respectively. The turnback points from west to east are:

  • Roughly halfway between Westmore and Martin Grove stops (pair of crossovers)[44]
  • East of Albion stop (trailing-point crossover)[44]
  • East of Mount Olive stop (pair of crossovers)[46]
  • East of Milvan Rumike stop (pair of crossovers)[47]
  • East of Norfinch Oakdale stop (pair of crossovers)[47][48]
  • East of Sentinel stop (pair of crossovers)[48]

Maintenance and storage facility edit

Finch West LRT Maintenance and Storage Facility
 
General information
Location50 York Gate Boulevard
Toronto, Ontario[66]
Canada
Coordinates43°45′27″N 79°31′23″W / 43.75750°N 79.52306°W / 43.75750; -79.52306
Owned byMetrolinx
Operated byMosaic Transit Group (under contract to Metrolinx)
Construction
Structure typeMaintenance and storage facility[66]
Other information
StatusUnder construction
History
Opened2021 (facility)[66]

Metrolinx has constructed a maintenance and storage facility (MSF) on a lot on the north side of Finch Avenue West between York Gate Boulevard and Norfinch Drive next to Monsignor Fraser College's Norfinch Campus.[67] The MSF will have facilities to service the Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles used on the line, as well as the line trackage.

The 100,000-square-metre (1,100,000 sq ft) site will include a maintenance building with an area of 10,000 square metres (110,000 sq ft),[12] open-air storage for up to 26 LRVs, a car wash facility, materials storage, an administration building and a traction power substation.[66][68] The facility will have 4.4 kilometres (2.7 mi) of track, including both exterior storage and interior tracks. There is also 600 metres (2,000 ft) of track to connect the MSF to Finch Avenue via York Gate Boulevard.[5] Once the line is completed, LRVs leaving the facility will be able to enter service either in an eastbound or westbound direction.[66]

Construction of the facility started in 2019, and the MSF was ready to receive its first LRV by the end of July 2021. With completion of the MSF, Mosaic Transit Group will start to test LRVs and the communication system. In late 2021, a section of the line from the MSF to Sentinel Road was energized for up to 18 months of testing.[69][66]

In 2020, Metrolinx was criticized for proposing to sell off land in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood located in front of the MSF, contrary to initial promises to local community groups.[70] A 32-metre-wide (105 ft) strip of land along Finch Avenue is currently being used as a construction staging area by Mosaic Transit Group. In March 2021, Metrolinx cancelled their proposal and agreed to provide the land at zero cost to allow for the construction of a community hub by the City of Toronto and the local community, following completion of the line.[71]

Rolling stock edit

The fleet for the line will consist of 18 Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles. The vehicles are 48 metres (157 ft) long,[12] with a seating capacity of 120 passengers and a maximum capacity of 292.[69] Each LRV will have four wheelchair positions and bike racks. There will be no designated areas for strollers or other large objects with wheels, but these could be parked at locations with fold-up seats.[12] Each vehicle weighs 81 tonnes (89 tons).[72]

The trains were ordered in May 2017 by Metrolinx, as part of a joint order of 121 trains for Hurontario LRT in neighbouring Mississauga and Finch West LRT, at cost of $528 million.[73][74] The trains are being built at an Alstom plant in Brampton. The first vehicle was assembled in September 2020[75] and arrived from Alstom at the MSF in two sections on July 28 and 29, 2021.[69] The second LRV arrived in two sections on November 12, 2021.[64] A third vehicle arrived in 2022.[37] After joining the two delivered sections, the vehicles are run around the MSF yard initially at 5 km/h (3.1 mph), then each vehicle is tested by running it around the yard for 600 kilometres (370 mi) without a defect occurring.[64]

The same type of vehicles will be used for the Hurontario LRT.[75] The line was originally supposed to use the same Bombardier Flexity Freedom trains planned for Line 5 Eglinton; however, this order was cancelled by Metrolinx following delivery delays by Bombardier.[74][76]

Potential extensions edit

Several extensions to the line have been proposed; however, as of 2023, none of the proposed extensions have been funded for design or construction.

Finch West station to Finch station edit

The line was originally planned to extend from Finch West station to Finch station on the Yonge leg of Line 1 as part of the original Transit City proposal as well as The Big Move.[14][77] This segment was included in the 2010 environmental assessment of the line.[12] In March 2010, the Ontario government eliminated the proposed section of the line between Finch West and Finch because of budget constraints. In 2013, this plan was revived as an "unfunded future rapid transit project" in the City of Toronto's "Feeling Congested?" report, indicating that this extension may be constructed sometime in the future.[78] The extension was later shown in the TTC's 2018 Corporate Plan with no timeline for completion.[79] At its February 20, 2020, meeting, the Metrolinx board of directors endorsed a prioritization framework for a proposed frequent rapid transit network that included a proposed LRT extension from Finch West station to Finch station; with a forecast ridership of 6,600 in 2031 and a proposed line length of 6.3 kilometres (3.9 mi) along Finch Avenue West, the project scored "high" with a preliminary benefit–cost ratio of 0.36 to 0.65.[80]

Humber College to Pearson International Airport edit

In 2009, the TTC was studying the feasibility of potential routings for a future westward extension of the Etobicoke–Finch West LRT to the vicinity of Woodbine Live development, Woodbine Centre, and Pearson International Airport. The airport is primarily in Mississauga but within the Toronto fare zone.[15][81] This extension was later reclassified as a future transit project as described in the 2013 "Feeling Congested?" report by the City of Toronto.[78] Metrolinx has also noted the potential of an extension to the airport, albeit noting that this is an unfunded proposal.[12] In May 2021, Toronto City Council discussed a potential 2.5-kilometre (1.6 mi) extension south from Humber College to a new GO Transit station on the Kitchener line.[82] At its February 20, 2020, meeting, the Metrolinx board of directors endorsed a prioritization framework for a proposed frequent rapid transit network that included a proposed LRT extension from Humber College to Pearson International Airport; with a forecast ridership of 2,500 in 2031 and a proposed line length of 7.7 kilometres (4.8 mi) along Highway 27, Disco Road, Carlingview Drive, Dixon Road, Airport Road, Bresler Drive, Campus Road and Viscount Road, the project scored "medium" with a preliminary benefit–cost ratio of less than 0.26.[80]

Finch station to Don Mills station edit

In May 2009, Metrolinx proposed that the line be extended from Finch station along Finch Avenue East and Don Mills Road into Don Mills station to connect with the Sheppard East LRT and Line 4 Sheppard and create a seamless crosstown LRT line in northern Toronto to parallel the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (later renamed Line 5 Eglinton) in central Toronto. The TTC said that a planning study would have commenced in 2010.[15][83][84] The extension would serve the Newnham Campus of Seneca Polytechnic (formerly Seneca College) on Finch Avenue at Highway 404.

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b The Albion Centre (a.k.a. the Albion Mall) is a shopping centre on a triangular site bounded by Albion Road on the west, Kipling Avenue on the east and Finch Avenue on its north edge with three stops: Albion, Stevenson and Mount Olive (Kipling Avenue).[45]
  2. ^ The Humber River is the boundary between the Etobicoke and North York districts of Toronto.
  3. ^ As of 2021, the TTC was planning to install "priority bus lanes" on Jane Street. A Jane LRT was once considered for Jane Street. Both would serve the Jane and Finch neighbourhood.
  4. ^ Stops use one of the following platform configurations:
    • Centre: centre or island platform serving both tracks
    • Parallel: two parallel side platforms facing one another on the same side of a street intersection
    • Far-side: two side platforms each located separately at the far side of an intersection
  5. ^ The Stevenson stop's namesake street, Stevenson Road, does not intersect Finch Avenue, but lies north of Finch Avenue separated by a narrow strip of parkland.
  6. ^ The Rowntree Mills stop is surrounded by parkland. Besides the namesake Rowntree Mills Park, the Humber River valley passes under the intersection of Finch Avenue and Islington Avenue with Finch - Islington Park on the southwest corner and Gord and Irene Risk Park on the northeast corner.[56][57]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Ontario LRT Update". Railway Age. September 18, 2019. Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Transit Project Assessment, Environmental Project Report" (PDF). Metrolinx. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 3, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  3. ^ "Metrolinx to buy vehicles from Bombardier competitor as backup plan for Eglinton Crosstown". CBC News. Archived from the original on January 6, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Westoll, Nick. "Metrolinx staff 'very confident' Finch West LRT will open in 2024 after recent work". CityNews. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Track installation marks major advancement for Finch West LRT project". Metrolinx. May 9, 2022. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Finch West LRT – drone flyover video and spring progress recap". Metrolinx. August 4, 2022. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022.
  7. ^ "À Toronto, une nouvelle ligne de tramway va être équipée de la technologie de Thales" (PDF) (in French). Thales Rail Signalling Solutions. June 25, 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  8. ^ "Finch West LRT". www.metrolinx.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c d e Kalinowski, Tess (April 27, 2015). "Finch LRT to be complete in 2021, before Sheppard breaks ground". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on June 24, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  10. ^ a b c d e f "Finch West LRT Project". Metrolinx. July 9, 2009. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  11. ^ "Finch West LRT likely won't be open to public until 2024 despite construction progress". CityNews. July 25, 2023. Metrolinx officials say it's now looking likely the Finch West LRT won't be open to riders until the first half of 2024. However, they say crews are working to finish heavy construction by fall 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project" (PDF). Metrolinx. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  13. ^ "TTC budget plans on Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRTs opening in the fall". Toronto Star. December 15, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d e Mackenzie, Robert (April 28, 2015). "Ontario Proceeding with Finch West LRT". Transit Toronto. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  15. ^ a b c "Request for Approval of the Etobicke-Finch West LRT Environmental Assessment Study" (PDF). Toronto Transit Commission. December 16, 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 26, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  16. ^ "GTA transit gets $9B jump-start". Toronto Star. April 2, 2009. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
  17. ^ "Province Moving Transit Projects Forward" (Press release). Ontario Ministry of Transportation. April 1, 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
  18. ^ "Mayor Rob Ford: "Transit City is over"". Toronto Life. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  19. ^ Council opts for light-rail lines over Ford's lone subway track Archived February 14, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, The Globe and Mail February 8, 2012
  20. ^ a b "Finch West Light Rail Transit". Metrolinx. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2017. In February 2016, Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to companies shortlisted to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. In May 2017, Metrolinx confirmed that it had entered into an agreement with Alstom to build 17 light rail vehicles for the Finch West LRT project. The RFP is expected to close by the end of 2017, with construction slated to begin in 2018.
  21. ^ "RFP closed for Finch West rapid transit line". constructconnect.com. Daily Commercial News. December 20, 2017. Archived from the original on January 1, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  22. ^ Spurr, Ben (September 19, 2017). "Metrolinx blames Bombardier for latest Finch West LRT delay". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Archived from the original on September 19, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  23. ^ "Aecon consortium selected as preferred proponent for the Finch West Light Rail Transit project in Toronto". aecon.com. AECON. Archived from the original on April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  24. ^ "Welcome to Mosaic Transit Group". Mosaic Transit Group. Archived from the original on January 21, 2019. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  25. ^ "Finch LRT delayed another year". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on September 4, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  26. ^ "Contract Awarded for Finch West Light Rail Transit Project". Infrastructure Ontario. May 7, 2018. Archived from the original on May 8, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  27. ^ "TTC to renumber 5 Avenue and 6 Bay bus routes to prepare for future rapid transit lines". Toronto Transit Commission. June 18, 2021. Archived from the original on February 21, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  28. ^ "Metrolinx Finch West LRT Construction Updates". www.metrolinx.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  29. ^ a b c "Finch West Light Rail Transit - Virtual Open House - Project Progress - February 2021" (PDF). Metrolinx. February 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  30. ^ "Finch West LRT – Engineering method allows for quick work on Hwy. 400 bridge". Ontario Construction News. March 9, 2020. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  31. ^ Rocca, Ryan (June 20, 2020). "Crews finishing Hwy. 400 bridge replacement as part of Finch LRT construction". Global News. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  32. ^ "Check out this new track – Toronto's Finch West LRT installs first rails at critical transit facility". Metrolinx. October 23, 2020. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  33. ^ "Bombardier awarded 30-year services contract for Toronto's Finch West Light Rail Transit project". GlobeNewswire (Press release). December 23, 2020. Archived from the original on December 27, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  34. ^ a b "First ever Finch West LRT vehicle test". Metrolinx. February 23, 2022. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022.
  35. ^ "How far Finch West LRT project has come this year". Metrolinx. March 31, 2022. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022.
  36. ^ "Finch West LRT light rail vehicle testing now underway". Metrolinx. May 30, 2022. Archived from the original on May 30, 2022.
  37. ^ a b "???". Metrolinx. September 12, 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.
  38. ^ a b c "Canopy and cabinet installation begins on the Finch West LRT". Metrolinx. November 23, 2022. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022.
  39. ^ "Progress update on the Finch West LRT". Metrolinx. April 17, 2023. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  40. ^ Driving Toronto: Finch Ave West - Keele Street to Humber College Blvd. Finch LRT Metrolinx TTC - 4K., retrieved June 25, 2023
  41. ^ "After years of construction turmoil, Finch West LRT on track for 2024 opening". Toronto Star. November 21, 2023.
  42. ^ a b "Finch West LRT canopy installations complete". Metrolinx. November 27, 2023. Archived from the original on November 27, 2023.
  43. ^ "Public Open House" (PDF). Metrolinx. January 11, 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2021.
  44. ^ a b c d e f g h "Map 2: Highway 27 – Kipling Avenue" (PDF). Metrolinx. January 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2021.
  45. ^ "The Albion Mall". Google Maps. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  46. ^ a b c d e f g "Map 3: Kipling Avenue – Ardwick Boulevard/Pearldale Avenue" (PDF). Metrolinx. January 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2021.
  47. ^ a b c d e f g h "Map 4: Gracedale Boulevard – Oakdale Road" (PDF). Metrolinx. January 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 20, 2021.
  48. ^ a b c d e f g h "Map 5: Oakdale Road – Tangiers Road" (PDF). Metrolinx. January 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2021.
  49. ^ "Ridership Statistics for Surface Routes (2018)" (PDF). ttc.ca. Toronto Transit Commission. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 5, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  50. ^ "Rexdale". Google Maps. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  51. ^ "Humber Summit". Google Maps. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  52. ^ "Humbermede". Google Maps. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  53. ^ "Jane and Finch". Google Maps. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  54. ^ "Proposed TTC Routes Connecting to Line 6 Finch West" (PDF). Toronto Transit Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  55. ^ "Metrolinx Finch West Light Rapid Transit Station, North Campus". Humber College. Archived from the original on February 25, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  56. ^ "Rowntree Mills Park". Google Maps. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  57. ^ "Gord and Irene Risk Park". City of Toronto. March 6, 2017. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  58. ^ "Finchdale Plaza". Google Maps. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  59. ^ a b "Finch West LRT Project Spring Open Houses Presentation - May 24, 28 & 30, 2019" (PDF). Metrolinx. May 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  60. ^ "Stop Naming Finch West LRT". Metrolinx Engage. Metrolinx. Archived from the original on March 30, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  61. ^ "Stop Naming Finch West LRT". Metrolinx Engage. Metrolinx. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  62. ^ "Shattering safety standards on the Finch West LRT – with glass". Metrolinx. August 25, 2022. Archived from the original on August 25, 2022.
  63. ^ "Report to the TTC Board - Transit Network Expansion" (PDF). Toronto Transit Commission. February 10, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  64. ^ a b c "Second Light Rail Vehicle delivered to Finch West Maintenance and Storage Facility". Metrolinx. November 16, 2021. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021.
  65. ^ Spurr, Ben; Pagliaro, Jennifer (October 31, 2016). "Report outlines steep costs of running new Toronto transit lines". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  66. ^ a b c d e f "Fact Sheet: Finch West LRT Maintenance and Storage Facility" (PDF). Metrolinx. 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 12, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
  67. ^ "Metrolinx Finch West LRT". www.metrolinx.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  68. ^ "Traction Power Substation at the Maintenance and Storage Facility". Metrolinx. March 3, 2021. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  69. ^ a b c "See the first light rail vehicle arrive at Finch West Maintenance and Storage Facility". Metrolinx. July 30, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  70. ^ Westoll, Nick (July 23, 2020). "Jane-Finch Community Hub project's future uncertain as Metrolinx looks at land sale options". Global News. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  71. ^ Westoll, Nick (March 21, 2021). "Ontario government agrees to donate Metrolinx LRT land for Jane and Finch community hub". Global News. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  72. ^ "Second Light Rail Vehicle delivered to Finch West route". The Mirror (North York). November 18, 2021. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021.
  73. ^ Healing, Dan (December 21, 2017). "Alstom to build Metrolinx LRT cars in Toronto, creating 120 jobs". Financial Post. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  74. ^ a b "Metrolinx switches to Alstom for Toronto LRV order". International Railway Journal. May 12, 2017. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  75. ^ a b "Inside the workshop – A rare glimpse at how Finch West LRT vehicles are put together". Metrolinx. September 25, 2020. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  76. ^ Spurr, Ben (July 20, 2016). "Metrolinx threatens legal action over late delivery of light rail vehicles". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on July 20, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  77. ^ Metrolinx (2008). "The Big Move" (PDF). Metrolinx. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  78. ^ a b "Transit Line Evaluation Process: Feeling Congested?" (PDF). City of Toronto. 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  79. ^ "Corporate Plan 2018–2022" (PDF). TTC.ca. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  80. ^ a b "Metrolinx Project Prioritization". www.metrolinx.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  81. ^ Munro, Steve (February 14, 2009). "Transit City Status Update". Steve Munro. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  82. ^ "The Missing Link: Extending the Finch West LRT to the Kitchener GO Line". app.toronto.ca. May 5, 2021. Archived from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  83. ^ Munro, Steve (April 1, 2009). "Ontario Funds Three Transit City Routes". Steve Munro. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2009.
  84. ^ Munro, Steve (May 25, 2009). "Sheppard LRT Don Mills Connection Unveiled, Sort Of". Steve Munro. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2009.

External links edit

  • Official TTC site
  • Metrolinx Finch West LRT project page
  • Mosaic Transit Group
  • Virtual Walkthrough: Finch West Station on YouTube published by Metrolinx on May 12, 2020, showing a simulation of boarding an LRT train