TTC CEO Mandeep Lali has announced the phased opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, starting February 8th. This marks a significant milestone in Toronto's public transportation network, offering a faster and more efficient travel option for commuters. The line, which has been a long-awaited addition, will operate with up to 24 trains running between 5:45 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a later start on Sundays. TTC buses will be available during off-peak hours. The journey from one end to the other will take approximately 55 to 59 minutes by train, compared to 105 minutes by bus, providing a substantial time-saving advantage.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT's journey to completion has been a long and challenging one. It was first proposed in 2007 under the Transit City plan by former mayor David Miller, aiming to connect Mount Dennis in the west with Kennedy subway station in the east along Eglinton Avenue. Construction began in 2011 under the previous Liberal government, with an initial completion date set for 2020. However, due to various legal, construction, and testing issues, as well as delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project faced numerous setbacks. This included issues with construction quality, the signaling system, and a minor collision during the final testing phase, leading to around 260 identified deficiencies.
Despite these challenges, the TTC and Metrolinx personnel conducted extensive testing, with over 1,000 staff participating in a major test on January 22nd. The line's 'substantial completion' was declared when independent engineers certified that the 19-kilometre, 25-station line was built as designed, allowing the TTC to take full operational control. The official launch comes less than two months after this milestone, with the TTC CEO emphasizing the gradual opening to leverage customer feedback and address any remaining concerns.
The project's prolonged construction and road closures have impacted local businesses, particularly in Little Jamaica, prompting calls for financial support from the provincial government. There have also been calls for a public inquiry into the project, but the Ford government has not yet agreed to this request. As the Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally opens, it represents a significant step forward in Toronto's transportation infrastructure, offering a much-needed alternative to buses and potentially easing congestion on the city's roads.
