Can Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa's LRTs withstand Canadian winters? The recent heavy snowfall caused partial or complete shutdowns of the new light-rail transit systems in these cities, raising concerns about their winter readiness. The REM in Montreal, Toronto's Finch Line, and Ottawa's Line 2 faced significant disruptions, prompting questions about their design for Canadian winters. Experts suggest that the trade-off between LRT and underground subway systems may be the cause of these issues. The Finch Line, in particular, has been criticized for its slow speeds and frequent technical problems, including issues with ice and snow removal systems. Despite these challenges, some commuters remain optimistic that the LRTs will improve with time and better winter preparedness. The article also highlights the impact of the weather on the efficiency of the LRT systems, with commuters facing longer travel times and more complicated commutes. The discussion on the reliability of LRTs in Canadian winters invites further exploration and debate.
