After years of setbacks and escalating costs, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is poised to finally begin service this weekend. The long-awaited line, a crucial artery for Toronto’s transit system, will open its doors to passengers on Sunday, with the first day of travel offered free of charge.
TTC CEO Mandeep Lali emphasized a cautious, phased approach to the launch. This strategy allows for meticulous performance monitoring and the controlled implementation of necessary upgrades, ensuring a smoother transition into full operation.
The initial phase will feature limited service hours, gradually expanding as the transit authority addresses any unforeseen issues. This careful rollout is a direct response to the challenges experienced with the Finch West LRT, which faced early delays and slow service due to harsh winter conditions.
Customer feedback will be actively solicited throughout the phased opening. The TTC is determined to build confidence in the line’s reliability, learning from the experiences on Finch West and proactively addressing potential problems.
Similar to the Finch LRT, passengers will need to pay their fares on the surface platforms, rather than directly on the vehicles. This streamlined process is part of the initial operational setup.
The project’s financial journey has been significant, growing from an initial estimate of $5 billion to approximately $13 billion. Despite the cost overruns, the potential benefits for commuters are substantial.
The 19-kilometre Eglinton LRT will stretch from Kennedy Station in Scarborough to the new Mount Dennis stop near Weston Road, boasting 25 stops along the route. This expansive network will seamlessly integrate with three subway stations and an impressive 54 bus routes.
Mount Dennis station provides crucial connections to both GO trains and the Union Pearson Express, while Kennedy Station also features a GO stop. This interconnectedness aims to create a truly integrated transit experience for riders.
The arrival of the Eglinton LRT necessitates adjustments to 35 existing bus routes, some of which have already been implemented in preparation for the new line. These changes are designed to optimize the overall flow of public transportation across the city.
A key priority for the TTC is transit signal priority, ensuring the LRT can navigate busy intersections efficiently and maintain a swift pace. This focus on speed and reliability is paramount to the line’s success.
While owned by Metrolinx, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be operated by the TTC. Ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure will be handled by Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the consortium responsible for the line’s construction.
