Toronto's new Finch West LRT experienced 350 delays in December, city data shows

Toronto’s new Finch West LRT line experienced 350 delays in December, city data shows.

The delays were recorded on the LRT, known as Line 6, between Dec. 7 and Dec. 31, according to data provided on the city's open data site. The LRT is jointly operated by the TTC, Metrolinx and the City of Toronto.

In a statement Thursday, the TTC said all partners are committed to doing their respective parts during the soft opening period to work collaboratively through any issues causing delays.

The city said on its website that it will continue working with the TTC to monitor traffic operations and transit performance along the line.

"Post-opening adjustments may be made to traffic signal timing, curbside operations, and surface transit connections as travel patterns evolve. Community feedback will help inform ongoing improvements to the street and station areas," the city said.

Metrolinx, for its part, said it is providing "daily support to both the TTC and City of Toronto as we work to continuously improve Line 6 for riders and the local communities that use it."

The regional transit agency said weather could be playing a part in the delays.

"Winter conditions present challenges to railways across the country," Metrolinx said.

But it added: "Finch West LRT — along with all of our projects — are designed and tested to run in winter conditions."

WATCH | Will Toronto's Finch LRT have to replace its switch heaters?:

Finch LRT uses same switches as Ottawa's plagued transit line

January 14|

Duration 2:42

One of the major issues plaguing the Finch West LRT is the technology system used to melt ice and snow along the line. As CBC's Dale Manucdoc explains, it's the same system used by Ottawa years ago that proved to be problematic. 

Delays may be due to switching problems, expert says

Jonathan English, a founding partner of Infrastory Insights, a consulting firm, said he thinks some of the longest delays were the result of problems involving the switch technology used on the line.

"It's not uncommon for new lines to have teething problems," he said.

Recent snow is impacting the ability of the switches to function, he said. Switches are used to move trains from one track to another.

“Snow and ice can get stuck in between it, and then the switch just can’t move, which means that the train can’t move onto another track."

English said another issue is that speed limiters on the trains that kick in if the operator is moving too fast.

“It’s a really stringent measure that puts the emergency brake on and stops the car and then it takes time to get it going again.”

Line 6 of the TTC, which includes 18 stops, connects Finch West station to Humber Polytechnic’s north campus.