The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) is officially set to open on February 8. This announcement was made on Tuesday by Mandeep Lali, the CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The LRT marks a significant development in Toronto’s transit network, offering improved travel times for commuters.
Eglinton LRT Opening Details
According to Lali, the first ride of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will commence at 5:40 a.m. on opening day, and passengers can enjoy free rides. This phased opening approach aims to gather feedback from users to ensure the system operates effectively before transitioning to full service.
Performance Monitoring and Upcoming Improvements
- The phased opening allows for performance monitoring and necessary upgrades.
- Future enhancements to the line’s speed and software are scheduled for March and May.
The long-awaited project began construction 15 years ago, originally slated for a 2020 completion but faced numerous delays due to technical challenges. The current projected budget has risen to over $13 billion, up from the $11.78 billion estimate in 2018, according to Metrolinx.
Community Response
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her support, stating she was pleased the line was finally opening. She emphasized the TTC’s expertise in public transit management and her confidence in their operational capabilities.
The Eglinton line will feature 25 stops stretching from Mount Dennis Station to Kennedy Station. TTC board member Josh Colle noted that the complete journey would take less than an hour, making it approximately 47% faster than bus travel, which currently takes around one hour and 45 minutes.
Impact on Bus Services
The opening of the Eglinton LRT will also affect 35 bus routes, with 16 lines already adjusted to accommodate the new transit system. Lali indicated that customer feedback would be vital in refining these services.
Concerns and Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimistic outlook, experts have raised concerns. The Finch West LRT, which recently opened, experienced over 350 delays in its first month, primarily due to issues with switching technology. Similar challenges could arise with the Eglinton line.
Lali assured the board that measures like Transit Signal Priority (TSP) would be implemented to enhance performance. This will allow the new LRT to prioritize public transit over vehicular traffic at intersections.
The countdown to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT’s opening continues, with officials committed to addressing concerns and ensuring a successful launch.
