Full Breakdown
Eglinton Crosstown LRT Launches Amid Controversy and Celebration
2/8/2026, 8:18:11 PM
Eglinton Crosstown LRT Opens After Years of Delays
The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, known as Line 5, officially opened on February 8, 2026, after 15 years of construction and significant delays. The project, which began in 2011, was initially slated for completion in 2020 but faced numerous challenges, including budget overruns that pushed costs to over $13 billion, according to Metrolinx. The line spans 19 kilometers and includes 25 stations, with a phased rollout of services expected to increase over the next six months.
Despite a low-key launch, the opening attracted a crowd of eager riders who lined up early at Kennedy Station. The first train departed shortly before 7:40 a.m., with passengers expressing excitement about the new transit option. The inaugural journey took approximately 55 minutes, comparable to the time it took to traverse the shorter Line 6 when it first opened.
Background of the Eglinton Crosstown Project
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT's history is intertwined with previous transit plans, notably the Transit City initiative introduced by former Toronto Mayor David Miller in 2007. This ambitious plan aimed to create a network of seven LRT lines but was ultimately scrapped by former Mayor Rob Ford. The Eglinton project persisted through political changes and construction challenges, including a groundbreaking ceremony in 2011 that promised a completed line by late 2020.
Critics have pointed to project mismanagement and delays as significant issues. Transit advocate Steve Munro noted that the project became overly complicated with excessive consultancy involvement, leading to what he termed "project bloat." The delays have also had a tangible impact on local businesses, particularly in the Little Jamaica area, where approximately 300 businesses reportedly closed during the construction period.
Official Statements & Responses
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed gratitude for the line's opening, acknowledging the long wait for residents. Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that train speeds would improve over time, with the line expected to serve over 120,000 passengers at full capacity. However, Chow and other officials have faced criticism regarding the handling of the project, with calls for a public inquiry into the construction delays. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles described the situation as an "absolute boondoggle," highlighting the economic toll on local businesses.
Criticism & Opposition
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT has faced significant scrutiny from various stakeholders. Critics have highlighted the project's extensive delays and budget overruns, with some calling for a public inquiry into its management. Stiles emphasized the adverse effects on local businesses, particularly in the Little Jamaica area, which suffered due to prolonged construction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It symbolizes the end of the suffering that every single person in this city has gone through,” — Rockwell Cui, Toronto Resident
- “Been an honour to be the first operator, the first guy, to christen the line with passengers,” — Gavin Elliott, First Train Operator
- “ “I’m also thinking a lot today about the cost to the businesses, particularly in the Little Jamaica area of around Eglinton that have been shut down over those years.” — Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP Leader
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT's opening marks a significant milestone for Toronto's transit system, yet it also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure projects.
