Eglinton Crosstown LRT opens in Toronto after 15 years of delays

Toronto's 19-kilometre Eglinton Crosstown LRT is scheduled to begin service Sunday after construction that began 15 years ago and an opening six years later than planned; politicians and transit officials acknowledged problems during the rollout.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto is set to begin passenger service on Sunday after long delays. Construction began 15 years ago and the opening is six years later than originally scheduled. Provincial and city leaders attended a press event where they acknowledged difficulties during the project. Officials said the line will begin service in phases with plans to increase service over the coming months. Key points: - The line is 19 kilometres long, partly underground, and includes 25 stations. - Officials plan phased service, initially running from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with peak trains every four minutes and 45 seconds. - In six months, planned service levels call for operations from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and peak trains every three minutes and 30 seconds. - Critics called for a public inquiry into delays and accountability, but the premier dismissed that option and urged moving forward. - Metrolinx leadership said lessons learned include better early integration of vehicles, systems and civil work, and improved approaches to managing construction impacts and contracting. Summary: The opening marks the end of a prolonged construction period and shifts focus to how the line performs in service and how planned ramp-ups proceed over the next six months. Observers and officials noted both operational lessons and local impacts during construction. Undetermined at this time.