A Legacy That Began with Canada’s First Subway Line
For most Torontonians, the opening of a new transit line is a noteworthy civic event. For the Doucet family, however, it is something far more personal—an unbroken, seven-decade tradition that bridges three generations and reflects their enduring connection to the city’s evolving transit network.
On Sunday, the family once again honoured that commitment as 83-year-old Michael Doucet, his son Brian, and seven-year-old grandson Hugo boarded the newly launched Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT)—now officially designated as TTC’s Line 6. The moment carried both historical weight and emotional resonance, marking not only the inauguration of a major transit project, but also the continuation of a family custom that dates back to 1954.
That year, a young Michael rode the very first train on the newly opened Yonge Line, Canada’s inaugural subway system, accompanied by his father. What began as a memorable outing quickly transformed into a long-standing family ritual: attending every opening day of a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway or streetcar line.
“It’s always special to witness a new chapter in the city’s transit story,” said Michael, now a retired geography professor from Toronto Metropolitan University. “There’s something meaningful about being present when a new line is unveiled—especially in parts of the city that haven’t always been well served.”
This year’s opening-day trip was especially important for him. With young Hugo enthusiastically joining the ride, a brand-new generation has officially entered the Doucet tradition.
Welcoming a New Generation to Toronto’s Transit History
A Seven-Year-Old’s First Step into a Family Ritual
For Hugo, the experience was more than a simple train ride. It was his first opportunity to see Toronto through the same opening-day lens that has shaped the perspectives of his father and grandfather for decades.
“It’s quite exciting because young people see the city differently,” Michael reflected during the ride. “Hugo has enjoyed every part of the trip today, and he’s been so observant of the things we pass.”
The family has always treated these outings as both celebratory and educational—moments to experience the city’s geography and technological evolution firsthand. For Brian, now an associate professor of planning at the University of Waterloo, the tradition was a defining part of his childhood as well. He was only four when he took his first opening-day trip on the Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) line in 1985.
The tradition, he said, has never been optional.
“It’s mandatory,” he joked, recalling the mixture of excitement and inevitability that came with each new transit launch. “But it’s also joyful. The real purpose is discovering a new part of the city and seeing how these transit connections reshape neighbourhoods.”
Exploring the Finch Corridor: A Historic Moment for Toronto Transit
Curiosity, Technology, and First-Day Excitement
Sunday’s launch of the Finch West LRT brought out more than just families continuing long-standing traditions. According to Brian, the inaugural ride also attracted a diverse mix of riders—some fascinated by the line’s modern technology, others eager simply to understand how the new system works.
“People were excited to be part of this moment,” Brian shared. “Yes, there will be issues, as there always are with new transit lines, but the mood today was overwhelmingly positive.”
The Finch West LRT is Toronto’s first new transit line in more than two decades, and its arrival marks a significant milestone for residents of northwest Toronto, a region historically underserved by rapid transit. The line connects Humber College to Finch West Station, offering a critical new east-west link across the city.
“This corridor of Finch is now connected,” Brian said. “It changes how people can navigate this part of the city.”
A Tradition Rooted in Urban Curiosity and Civic Pride
Riding Transit as a Way of Understanding the City
Michael and Brian share a belief that public transit is more than transportation—it is a window into the life and character of a city. Over the decades, their opening-day rides have taken them through diverse neighbourhoods, evolving infrastructure, and newly formed connections.
Toronto, Michael noted, often faces criticism for delays, crowding, and service issues. Yet in comparison to many North American cities, he believes Toronto remains fortunate to have a transit system that is expanding and offers frequent service.
“People sometimes forget how lucky we are,” he said. “This city continues to grow, and transit is a central part of how that growth happens.”
Brian hopes that the Finch West LRT launch will encourage more residents to view transit as a tool for exploration, not just commuting.
“I always tell people: take an afternoon and ride around,” he said. “Pick a line, stop somewhere you’ve never been, and explore the neighbourhood. Transit lets you discover the city in ways you don’t expect.”
Looking Back: Iconic Rides and Farewell Trips
Moments Preserved in the Doucet Family Album
The Doucet tradition isn’t limited to opening days alone. Over the years, they have also participated in several memorable “last-day rides”—a final tribute to retiring streetcars and vehicles that played a defining role in Toronto’s transit identity.
In 1995, they boarded one of the final runs of the Presidents’ Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars, an iconic symbol of mid-20th-century transit. In 2019, they said goodbye to the Canadian Light Rail Vehicles (CLRVs), marking another significant turning point in TTC history.
One of the family’s cherished photographs, taken in 1982, shows a young Brian standing beside a streetcar with his father in the city’s waterfront area—just years before Brian’s own inaugural opening-day experience.
A New Line, A Renewed Sense of Wonder
Community Reactions and the Spirit of Exploration
The launch of the Finch West LRT has generated widespread attention and conversation across the city. In interviews conducted along the route, many residents expressed a mix of excitement, curiosity, and cautious optimism—reflecting Toronto’s long-standing love-hate relationship with its transit system.
Still, the prevailing sentiment was clear: this long-awaited addition represents opportunity, mobility, and growth for thousands of daily riders.
For Hugo, the newest member of the Doucet tradition, the day ended with a wide smile and a simple, heartfelt conclusion: the ride was “exciting” and his favourite train trip so far.
Conclusion: A Tradition That Moves With the City
As Toronto continues to expand its transit network, the Doucet family’s tradition stands as a testament to the ways in which public transportation can shape personal histories and strengthen connections between generations.
What began as a father-son outing in 1954 has evolved into a seven-decade legacy—one that celebrates both the city’s progress and the enduring value of shared experiences.
With the launch of the Finch West LRT, another chapter has been added to Toronto’s transit story. And for the Doucets, another memory has been added to a growing family archive—one that Hugo may continue one day with his own children.
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