TTC CEO Unveils Phased Eglinton Crosstown LRT Opening on Feb. 8
TTC CEO Mandeep Lali announced the phased opening of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) on February 8. The first segment of Line 5 Eglinton will commence operations with fare-free rides. However, unlike the earlier launch of Line 6 Finch West, there will be no public celebration for this launch.
Eglinton Crosstown LRT Launch Details
The phased opening will see a limited number of trains operating primarily between 5:45 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a potential later start on Sundays. During times when trains are not running, TTC buses will service the corridor. Lali confirmed that there will be no parallel shuttle buses during this initial opening phase.
Travel time on the new LRT will be significantly reduced. Passengers can expect the journey across the 19-kilometre route to take 55 to 59 minutes, compared to the 105 minutes required by bus. The Eglinton Crosstown features 25 stations, connecting Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy subway station in the east.
Background of the Eglinton Crosstown Project
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project has been nearly two decades in the making, first proposed under former mayor David Miller’s Transit City plan in 2007. Construction officially began in 2011 under a previous provincial government. Initially slated for completion in 2020, the project faced continuous delays due to a series of challenges, including legal disputes, construction complications, and COVID-19 setbacks.
In January 2023, following independent engineering assessments, substantial completion of the line was declared. This milestone allowed TTC to take full operational control and conduct readiness tests, which included participation from over 1,000 staff members.
Challenges and Community Impact
The lengthy construction process created significant issues for local businesses along the Eglinton corridor. Calls for financial support from the provincial government grew as long-term road closures affected many small enterprises. While opposition parties and community members have requested an inquiry into the project, the provincial government has yet to commit to such an investigation.
Despite the setbacks, the announcement of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT’s phased opening marks a significant improvement in Toronto’s transit infrastructure. With extensive testing and adjustments made, the project is poised to enhance connectivity across the region.
