Line 6 Finch LRT closed for second day after snowstorm, shuttle buses in place
Toronto’s new Line 6 Finch LRT remained out of service for a second day after a major winter storm. Shuttle buses replaced trains between Finch West and Humber College.
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By Torontoer Staff
Line 6 Finch West remained out of service for a second consecutive day on Friday after a heavy winter storm, with shuttle buses replacing trains between Finch West and Humber College. The 10.3-kilometre light rail line, which began service on Dec. 7, has faced multiple disruptions since opening.
The Toronto Transit Commission said the closure was driven by weather conditions and blocked roadways that prevented shuttle buses from servicing some stops. The storm has dumped upwards of 40 centimetres of snow across the city and continued snowfall was expected Friday afternoon.
What the TTC reported
As of 8:03 AM - Line 6 Finch West: No service between Finch West and Humber College stations due to weather conditions. Shuttle buses will operate from Finch West to Humber College Station. Shuttle buses not servicing Driftwood, Tobermory, Sentinel stops due to blocked roadway.
TTC Service Alerts
The alert reflected the full-day outage the line experienced on Thursday. The TTC had announced it was taking proactive measures ahead of the storm to keep riders safe, but service disruptions across the network continued into the second day as crews responded to weather-related hazards and blocked roadways.
Service impact and alternatives
Shuttle buses were deployed along the Finch corridor, but the blocked roadway meant some neighbourhood stops were bypassed. Riders at those locations had to walk to the nearest serviced stop or use parallel bus and subway routes. The TTC advised commuters to expect delays and allow extra travel time during the storm.
- No rail service between Finch West and Humber College stations.
- Shuttle buses operating between Finch West and Humber College, not servicing Driftwood, Tobermory or Sentinel stops.
- Passengers should prepare for longer travel times and possible detours.
Local reporting and tests suggest some parallel bus routes remain faster than the LRT when the line is operating unreliably. BlogTO ran a timed comparison in recent weeks and found a bus on a parallel route reached its destination before the LRT did. That comparison has gained traction among commuters frustrated with repeated outages.
Operational context and prior issues
Finch LRT opened in early December and has experienced several lengthy disruptions since then, not all related to weather. Service stoppages, signalling faults and vehicle reliability problems have been reported by riders and observers, raising questions about how the new line will perform under Toronto winter conditions.
Implementing a new light rail system involves a period of operational tuning. Winter is a demanding test for trackside equipment, overhead wiring and vehicle systems. City and TTC staff have said they are monitoring performance and adjusting maintenance and operational procedures as issues arise.
Advice for riders during the storm
- Check TTC Service Alerts and the TTC website for real-time updates before travelling.
- Consider using parallel bus routes or the subway where possible.
- Allow extra time for travel and plan for the possibility of walking to alternate stops if shuttles are not servicing certain locations.
For commuters who rely on Finch West, shuttle buses can provide a replacement but may add travel time and involve transfers. Those with mobility needs should review accessibility information from the TTC, as shuttle boarding and stop changes can affect accessible routing.
What to watch for next
Restoration of rail service will depend on road and track conditions and on the TTC’s operational assessments. With additional snowfall likely, further short-term disruptions are possible. The line’s performance through the remainder of winter will be an early indicator of whether the system can meet reliability expectations.
City and TTC officials have said they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Riders should follow official TTC channels for the latest alerts and service changes.
The Line 6 closures mark an early operational challenge for a route intended to relieve congestion on Finch West. How quickly the TTC can stabilise service during severe weather will shape commuter confidence in the months ahead.
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