Regular service has been restored on Toronto's Finch West Light Rail Transit line after a morning disruption caused by technical problems with track switches, the Toronto Transit Commission confirmed on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Morning Commute Disrupted
The issue, which involved malfunctioning switches along the line, first impacted service in the early morning hours. The TTC announced the problem and subsequent service suspension shortly after 6:25 AM EST. Crews were dispatched immediately to diagnose and address the fault.
By 8:34 AM EST, the transit authority provided an update confirming that repairs were complete and that regular service had resumed. The swift resolution aimed to minimize impact on the Monday morning commute for residents in the northwest corridor of the city.
Cause and Response
While the TTC's statement confirmed the cause as "switch issues," specific technical details regarding the nature of the malfunction were not immediately released. Such switch problems can involve the mechanisms that guide trains from one track to another, which are critical for routing and scheduling.
The TTC is known for its extensive network of streetcars, buses, and subways, and the Finch West LRT represents a key piece of the city's expanding rapid transit infrastructure. This incident highlights the operational challenges that can arise with complex rail systems, even newer ones.
Looking Forward
Transit users are advised to check the TTC's official website or social media channels for real-time service alerts, especially during peak travel times. The agency has not indicated whether any further investigative or preventive maintenance will be conducted specifically as a result of this morning's switch failure.
For now, commuters on the Finch West LRT can expect their journeys to proceed as normal following this temporary service interruption. The TTC has a protocol for such incidents, focusing on rapid response to restore service while ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority.
