TTC Announces Reduced Hours for Eglinton Crosstown’s Initial Opening
The long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown LRT is set for its initial opening on February 8, according to sources. The announcement was confirmed during a media event featuring Mayor Chow and Ontario officials.
TTC to Implement Reduced Hours for Eglinton Crosstown’s Initial Opening
Upon its launch, the Eglinton Crosstown will operate under reduced hours. TTC officials refer to this as a “phased opening.” Josh Colle, TTC Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer, emphasized the importance of stress testing during this period. He indicated that the reduced hours would allow for customer feedback and operational adjustments.
Phased Opening Details
- The Eglinton Crosstown will not operate full hours initially.
- Officials are focusing on lessons learned from other transit lines, particularly the Finch West LRT.
- Further information regarding full operational hours will be shared in the near future.
Colle stated that extending hours will depend on the system’s demonstrated performance rather than arbitrary deadlines. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali advised against prematurely announcing a definite opening date, citing ongoing evaluations from the Finch West LRT’s challenges.
Government Support and Expectations
Premier Doug Ford commented that the opening date ultimately rests with the TTC, expressing hope for a successful launch on February 8. Provincial officials are optimistic about the Eglinton Crosstown’s performance, despite the issues faced by its counterpart, the Finch West LRT.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria reassured the public regarding the Crosstown’s reliability, highlighting extensive testing. He noted that about 11 kilometers of the Crosstown runs underground, differentiating it from the above-ground Finch LRT.
Project Background and Construction Challenges
The Eglinton Crosstown, a $13 billion investment, has been under construction for 16 years and has faced numerous delays beyond its original 2020 opening target. Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay stated that collaborative efforts are ongoing to address maintenance protocols, particularly related to snow removal. This initiative aims to enhance the system’s performance during adverse weather conditions.
Operational Speed and Future Strategies
Both the Crosstown and Finch West LRT trains have achieved testing speeds of 60 km/h. However, it will be up to the TTC to ensure signal priorities are managed to enhance operational efficiency on these lines.
The Eglinton Crosstown’s initial opening marks a significant milestone, and officials are committed to ensuring a reliable transit experience as they learn from previous projects. The journey toward a fully operational service continues with a focus on improvement and customer satisfaction.
