Project Profile: Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT), Toronto

The Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) is an 11-kilometre light rail line designed to enhance public transit infrastructure and connectivity in Northwest Toronto. This project, delivered through an Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model, integrates modern rolling stock with dedicated civil infrastructure to provide reliable, high-capacity service between the existing subway network and Humber College.

Technical Specifications

The Finch West LRT line extends from the Finch West subway station to the Humber College campus, featuring 16 surface stops and two underground stations. The civil infrastructure consists of an elevated, double-tracked guideway built approximately 150mm above grade, with at-grade crossings to ensure seamless integration with existing road networks. A key design feature is the inclusion of 1.6m-wide dedicated cycle lanes along the corridor, promoting multi-modal sustainable transport.

The rolling stock comprises 17 Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles (LRVs). These low-floor vehicles are electrically propelled and feature a bi-directional design with doors on both sides to minimize dwell times at stations. The system is supported by a dedicated Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) located at York Gate Boulevard, which handles all vehicle servicing, cleaning, and storage. The signaling and train control systems are engineered for high operational efficiency and safety, managing vehicle movements and headways across the line.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Connectivity: The LRT provides a critical transit link in Northwest Toronto, connecting a major subway interchange with key community hubs, employment centres, and Humber College, a major educational institution.
• Innovative Procurement Model: The project’s delivery via an Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) model demonstrates a successful public-private partnership, transferring long-term maintenance risk to the private sector.
• Integrated Sustainable Design: By pairing an electric-powered light rail system with dedicated cycling infrastructure, the project actively reduces vehicular congestion and carbon emissions, contributing to Toronto’s broader environmental goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Finch West LRT open?

The Finch West LRT began passenger service in 2024. Main construction on the project commenced in late 2018 following several years of preliminary utility work, with a total construction and commissioning timeline of approximately six years.

Who is building the Finch West LRT?

The Finch West LRT project is owned by Metrolinx, a provincial agency. The line was designed, built, financed, and is now maintained by Mosaic Transit Group, a consortium including Aecon, ACS Infrastructure Canada, CRH Canada Group, and Dragados Canada. The light rail vehicles were supplied by Alstom.