Eglinton LRT Opening Uncertain Due to Emergency Brake Issue

As the anticipated opening date looms for the Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit (LRT) line in Toronto, uncertainty has emerged due to potential issues with the automated emergency braking system. Just days before the expected launch, Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are at odds over several incidents where the emergency brakes activated unexpectedly during recent testing.

Eglinton LRT Emergency Brake Issue Affects Opening Date

The Eglinton Crosstown line, spanning 19 kilometers and costing approximately $13 billion, has been under construction for the last 15 years. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the TTC identified random emergency braking events as a possible safety concern. However, details of the technical explanations provided during recent meetings remain undisclosed.

Key Details Surrounding the Eglinton LRT

• Opening Date: Targeted for February 8, confirmed by Premier Doug Ford.
• Testing Phase: The TTC has been testing systems for several months.
• Project Oversight: Managed by Metrolinx, constructed by Crosslinx under a public-private partnership.

Despite uncertainty, TTC CEO Mandeep Lali refrained from confirming the February 8 opening to reporters. Meetings between city officials and transit executives continued into late Thursday, aiming to resolve outstanding concerns. Metrolinx spokeswoman Lyndsay Miller noted that a high-level simulation of the system last week involved over 1,000 staff members and was deemed successful. She stated that all requests from the TTC are being addressed promptly.

Concerns About Safety and Delays

While the TTC has clarified that no safety-critical issues remain, anxiety persists about the technical glitches. Alstom, the manufacturer of the LRT vehicles, has declined to comment on the matter.

In anticipation of the opening, city officials planned celebratory events, including a performance by the jazz-funk group Shuffle Demons. However, confirmation of details such as time and location for the ceremony is still pending.

Overall, this project’s history reflects ongoing challenges within transit infrastructure developments in Ontario, having significantly surpassed initial cost estimates and deadlines. As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on the Eglinton LRT to see if it can finally open its doors to the public after years of delays.