Eglinton Crosstown LRT Set to Open February 8, Confirms TTC CEO

The long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) line is confirmed to open on February 8, 2024, according to Mandeep Lali, the CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The announcement was made during a TTC board meeting on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for a project that has faced numerous delays since its inception.

Prior reports indicated that the line was expected to commence operations on the same date. However, concerns regarding the safety of the Crosstown’s emergency brakes had previously led Lali to withhold confirmation. Last week, he notably diverged from comments made by Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow, both of whom appeared to support the February 8 timeline. Lali expressed unease about the potential random activation of the emergency brakes, prompting discussions between the TTC and Metrolinx, the agency overseeing the project.

In these discussions, Lali sought clarity on the resolution of the brake issues, while Michael Lindsay, CEO of Metrolinx, provided assurances that there were no safety concerns preventing the line’s opening. A source indicated that Lali prefers a detailed understanding of technical matters, and by late Thursday, TTC officials received a briefing regarding the emergency brake situation from both Metrolinx and Alstom, the train manufacturer. This dialogue helped alleviate some of Lali’s concerns.

Further discussions were reported to continue into Friday, with Jamaal Myers, chair of the TTC, confirming he was no longer worried about the braking issue. In a memo circulated to the TTC board, Lali stated he would provide an update on the progress of Line 5 at the scheduled board meeting the following Tuesday.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which broke ground in 2011, was initially slated for a 2020 opening. Various challenges, including construction complications, the COVID-19 pandemic, and legal disputes, have contributed to the repeated postponements. The line spans 19 kilometers and features 25 stops, extending from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy in the east. It aims to enhance transit options for riders along Eglinton Avenue and provide connections to Line 1 and Line 2 of the Toronto subway system.

On its opening day, the Crosstown LRT is expected to operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with trains scheduled to run every four minutes and 45 seconds. Following the initial phase, service frequency will increase over the next six months, mirroring the operational strategy employed previously during the soft opening of the Finch West LRT.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT has become a notable aspect of Toronto’s transit landscape, symbolizing both the challenges and progress of urban transportation development in the city. As the opening date approaches, many are hopeful that this new line will significantly improve transit options for residents and visitors alike.