Eglinton LRT: Ford says he won't order a public inquiry

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he will not call a public inquiry into delays and cost overruns on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which is scheduled to begin a soft launch this Sunday after years of construction.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced he will not call a public inquiry into the delays and cost overruns tied to the Eglinton Crosstown light-rail project. The line, now known as Line 5, is scheduled to begin service this Sunday after about 15 years of construction and higher-than-expected costs. Opposition figures had called for an inquiry, but the premier said the province must focus on other transit projects and that lessons have been learned. Known details: - Premier Doug Ford said he would not launch a public inquiry into the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project. - The Eglinton line (Line 5) is set to begin a soft launch on Sunday after years of delay and cost increases. - The project was delivered under a public-private partnership and experienced litigation and setbacks during construction. - The Toronto Transit Commission and Metrolinx plan a gradual increase to full service after the initial soft launch. Summary: The announcement means there will be no formal public inquiry at this time and provincial leaders intend to move forward with other transit priorities. The line will start a limited soft launch on Sunday while the TTC and Metrolinx continue phased testing and service adjustments. Undetermined at this time.