Finch West LRT riders face delays and disruptions as NDP continues call for Metrolinx inquiry

QUEEN’S PARK — The rollout of the Finch West LRT has been anything but smooth for Toronto residents, with switch heating issues being the latest cause of major commuter delays. Ontario’s New Democrats say blame for the line’s issues falls squarely on the Ford government and Metrolinx.

Shadow Minister for Public Transit Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest) says it’s inexcusable that Metrolinx apparently learned no lessons from the Ottawa LRT fiasco, in using the same electric switch heaters that bogged down the line in the nation’s capital.

“Metrolinx and the Ford government had more than enough time to learn from the issues that plagued the Ottawa LRT,” said Begum. “Whatever reason they give for making the same mistakes is little comfort to the commuters who have been left stranded in the dead of winter.”

“Ontarians deserve to know how and why this happened with such a vital public transit project. It is long past time for the Ford government to launch a full inquiry into Metrolinx, and deliver answers to the people of Ontario.”

MPP Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek) says that the people of his riding have already waited too long for the Finch West LRT to open and that waiting any longer for answers is unacceptable.

“The Finch West LRT opened late, runs slowly and keeps breaking down. People rightly expect transparency and value for their money,” said Rakocevic. “Metrolinx and the Ford government have failed to deliver the quality of public transit that our tax dollars paid for.

“Our community has suffered through many long years of construction and delays, only to be rewarded with a train that they can outrun on foot. Metrolinx and the Ford government owe people an explanation — one that can only be provided by a full inquiry.”