Eglinton LRT opening plan remains vague as phased launch details are scarce

The premier and mayor signalled a Feb. 8 opening, but TTC leaders say specific details of a phased launch — including reduced hours and partial sections — are not yet public; the TTC is targeting full service by late May.

Torontonians are seeking clarity about the long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT as stakeholders give limited specifics about when and how service will start. Both Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow have recently suggested a Feb. 8 opening, but TTC leaders have been less definitive. Officials say the 19-kilometre, 25-station line will open on a phased basis, though precise operating hours and which sections will open first have not been released. The line has faced years of delays and cost increases, and several parties are calling for more transparency. Known details: - Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow indicated a likely Feb. 8 opening, while the TTC’s CEO was less certain when asked Tuesday. - TTC board chair Jamaal Myers said the launch could resemble the Finch LRT rollout, with reduced hours initially and only "certain sections" open, but he gave no further specifics. - Josh Colle, the TTC’s chief strategy and customer officer, said service will not start at full hours and that bus schedules are being adjusted to respond to that phased start. - The TTC is targeting late May for when full service would be in place. - The union ATU Local 113, led by president Marvin Alfred, urged Metrolinx to be more transparent and to address issues seen on Line 6; Metrolinx did not immediately respond to requests for comment. - Line 5 will run between Kennedy Station and Mount Dennis, Metrolinx has said service will ramp up over six months with trains as frequent as every 3.5 minutes, and a recent report put project costs at over $13 billion. Summary: The lack of specific operational details has left riders, workers and officials with unanswered questions about the initial stage of service. TTC leaders say the CEO will provide further operational details when he is comfortable, and the agency is aiming for full service by late May.