After years of anticipation, and a considerable amount of frustration, Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT is finally set to open its doors this Sunday. The launch marks the culmination of a project initially envisioned in 2007, with construction beginning four years later.
The opening ceremony, held Friday morning at Eglinton Station, saw dignitaries including Premier Doug Ford, Transport Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow gather on the platform. Despite the lengthy delays and significant cost overruns – exceeding a billion dollars over the original budget – the focus now is firmly on the future.
Premier Ford swiftly dismissed calls for a public inquiry into the project’s troubled timeline. His priority, he stated, is not dwelling on past mistakes, but accelerating the construction of further subway lines. He acknowledged errors were made, but believes resources are better spent on progress, not investigation.
The 19-kilometer line, boasting 25 stops, was originally slated for completion six years ago. Trial runs only commenced last year, and the official opening date remained uncertain until recently. The initial service will operate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a later start on Sundays.
Passengers can expect trains arriving every six to eight minutes, increasing to every four minutes during peak hours. Overnight service will be provided by shuttle buses, with plans to extend operating hours to 1:30 a.m. daily as the system matures. This new line promises to dramatically reduce commute times, potentially cutting a 105-minute bus journey down to around 50-55 minutes.
To celebrate the launch, the TTC will offer free rides on Line 5 this Sunday, with the first trains departing Kennedy Station at 7:30 a.m. However, the opening will be a low-key affair, without any large-scale ceremonies or events.
Mayor Chow emphasized a “thoughtful” and phased approach to the launch, mirroring recommendations from a 2022 inquiry into Ottawa’s Confederation Line LRT. This strategy involves gradually increasing service levels while actively gathering rider feedback and making necessary improvements.
Transport Minister Sarkaria highlighted the success of the recently opened Finch West LRT, noting it has brought over 230,000 more residents within walking distance of public transit. He also pointed to progress on the Ontario Line as evidence of the government’s commitment to expanding Toronto’s transit network.
Premier Ford framed the Crosstown LRT as a crucial component of a larger vision to transform Toronto into a world-class city for public transportation. He underscored the economic impact of gridlock, estimating it costs the province over $56 billion annually, a figure projected to skyrocket to $145 billion within two decades without significant investment.
The completion of the Eglinton Crosstown represents more than just a new transit line; it signifies a renewed push to address Toronto’s growing transportation challenges and unlock the city’s potential for future growth.
