Fifteen years. That’s how long Toronto waited for the promise of a faster, more connected commute along Eglinton Avenue. After a relentless series of delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and postponed launch dates, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally began carrying passengers this week.
The 19-kilometre Line 5 stretches from Mt. Denis station in the west to Kennedy station in the east, offering a new transit option and a potential reprieve from the city’s notorious traffic congestion. The official opening on Sunday featured free rides, a chance for the public to experience the new line firsthand while the TTC fine-tuned its operations.
But after such a protracted wait, the question lingered: was it worth it? Initial impressions suggest a mixed bag, a blend of impressive efficiency and frustrating slowdowns.
The underground sections of the line proved remarkably swift. A journey from Mt. Denis to Kennedy took approximately 53 minutes, with stops lasting a mere minute as passengers boarded and disembarked. Even during peak hours, ample seating was available, and many riders simply wanted to experience the novelty of the new LRT.
The train sliced through the city, reaching the halfway point at Eglinton station (Yonge Street) in under 15 minutes. However, the experience shifted dramatically once the line emerged above ground in midtown.
Above ground, the LRT’s pace mirrored the flow of local traffic, becoming noticeably slower. Stop-and-go conditions were common, and the train occasionally halted for several minutes, a potential source of frustration for time-sensitive commuters.
The stops themselves weren’t always seamless. Abrupt, jolting halts occasionally caught passengers off guard. By the time the train reached Kennedy station, roughly 40 minutes had elapsed since leaving Eglinton – a reasonable time, but one that could undoubtedly be improved.
The TTC is likely already addressing the speed issue on the above-ground sections, drawing on lessons learned from countless testing phases. The challenges faced during the Finch LRT’s December launch, when mechanical issues caused service disruptions, undoubtedly informed their preparations.
Despite the initial hiccups, Line 5 holds significant promise for residents along Eglinton Avenue and those seeking a more efficient way to traverse the city. It’s a vital addition to Toronto’s transit network, but it’s clear the TTC still has work to do to optimize performance and deliver a truly seamless experience.
The Crosstown isn’t perfect yet, but it represents a significant step forward. As the service settles into a regular schedule, and the TTC addresses the remaining issues, it has the potential to transform commuting along one of Toronto’s busiest corridors.
