Eglinton Crosstown Transit Line Set to Open in September, Announces Premier Ford
After over a decade of delays and construction challenges, Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT is on track to finally open this September, promising a major boost for city transit.
The long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT is finally approaching its much-anticipated opening, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford announcing on Tuesday that the transit line is on schedule to launch service in September. After more than a decade of setbacks, Ford’s remarks signal a turning point for one of Toronto’s most significant infrastructure projects.
According to the Premier, control of the 19-kilometre light rail route will be formally transferred from Metrolinx to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in the coming weeks. “And thank God, that’s all I have to say about that," Ford said, expressing exasperation over the protracted timeline that has tested the patience of city officials and commuters alike. The Eglinton Crosstown, designed to connect Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Station in the east, is expected to transform public transit across midtown Toronto once operational.
Construction of the line officially began in 2011 under a previous provincial administration. The initial completion date was set for 2020, but progress was hampered by a series of challenges including construction disputes, legal wrangling, and extensive delays triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of deficiencies were discovered throughout the project, and in at least one instance, an entire station platform had to be rebuilt, compounding frustrations among residents and local businesses impacted by years of disruptions.
Transparency issues have also shadowed the Eglinton Crosstown’s development. Concerns regarding communication from Metrolinx and the provincial government led to growing demands for a public inquiry into the project’s management. The last comprehensive update for the media and public took place in December 2023, leaving many Toronto residents eager for clear information about when the light rail line would finally open its doors.
Despite the turbulent journey to completion, the prospect of the Crosstown LRT debuting in September has sparked renewed optimism. City officials and transit advocates are hopeful that the new line will relieve congestion, improve commute times, and revitalize communities along Eglinton Avenue, marking a major milestone in Toronto's transit future.
Updates are expected as the transfer to the TTC proceeds and preparations for the September launch continue.
