A powerful winter storm paralyzed parts of Toronto's transit system on Thursday, January 15, 2026, leading to the shutdown of the new Finch West LRT line and the suspension of service at several bus stops across the city.
Transit System Grinds to a Halt
The extreme weather, which brought heavy snow and cold temperatures to southern Ontario, created conditions too hazardous for the safe operation of the light rail line. The Finch West LRT, a key east-west route in the city's north end, was taken out of service indefinitely as accumulation and visibility issues made operations unsafe. Concurrently, a number of TTC bus stops, particularly in areas with challenging terrain or poor road conditions, were also pulled from service to protect both passengers and operators.
Chaos on the Roads as Storm Intensifies
The transit disruptions occurred alongside dangerous driving conditions throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Police reported more than 150 collisions as the storm intensified throughout the morning. Officials, including the CAA, had repeatedly urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel, to plan ahead, and to ensure their vehicles were prepared for winter driving. The Don Valley Parkway, a major commuter artery, was also closed due to the severe conditions, compounding the region's transportation woes.
The storm, which was forecast to dump up to 30 centimetres of snow in some areas, led to widespread cancellations beyond transit. Numerous schools across the GTA were closed, and school bus services were cancelled for the day. The City of Toronto had declared a major snow event, triggering its full winter maintenance response.
Officials Issue Stern Warning to Public
The consistent message from authorities was clear: stay home if possible. The combination of rapid snow accumulation, reduced visibility, and frigid temperatures presented a significant public safety risk. The closures and cancellations, while disruptive, were framed as necessary measures to prevent accidents and injuries during one of the first major winter events of 2026.
As of 11:40 AM EST, when the situation was reported, there was no immediate timeline for the restoration of full LRT and bus stop service. Transit authorities indicated that resumption would depend on the subsiding of the storm and the successful completion of snow-clearing operations along the routes and at the affected stations.
