The highly anticipated Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit line in Toronto is finally preparing to welcome passengers, though its launch will be marked by a deliberate and cautious approach. After more than a decade of construction and numerous setbacks, the 19-kilometer line is scheduled to begin operations on February 8, 2026, with a slow rollout designed to address any operational issues as they arise.
Learning from Finch West Experience
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria expressed optimism about the line's future while acknowledging the need for careful implementation. Speaking from Whitby on Tuesday morning, Sarkaria emphasized that millions of miles of testing have been conducted on the Eglinton line, with valuable lessons being drawn from the recent launch of the Finch West LRT.
"Our teams are working with the TTC on this to ensure that we have seamless operations," Sarkaria stated. "Any challenges or opportunities that we've learned from Finch that we can relate to Eglinton LRT as well."
Applying Operational Insights
Michael Lindsay, president and CEO of Metrolinx, provided specific examples of how insights from the Finch West Line are being applied to the Eglinton Crosstown. The transit agency has been working with private sector partners, the TTC, and city plowing companies to develop protocols for snow removal and drainage management, particularly for the at-grade sections in Toronto's east end.
"We've been working to better understand what protocols should be in place to move snow and ensure effective drainage," Lindsay noted, highlighting the collaborative effort to prepare for winter conditions.
System Characteristics and Testing
The Eglinton Crosstown presents unique characteristics that differentiate it from other transit projects in the city. Approximately 11 kilometers of the line runs underground, providing some protection from winter weather challenges. Despite this advantage, Lindsay referenced testing during a December snowstorm that demonstrated the system's resilience.
"During its runs, the Eglinton system had the highest average vehicle-kilometer ratio of any transit project in the city," Lindsay reported, suggesting positive performance indicators during adverse conditions.
Phased Implementation Strategy
Minister Sarkaria described the upcoming period as a "vetting in process" and "testing phase" that will continue even after the line opens to the public. This approach mirrors the strategy employed with the Finch West Line, where operational adjustments were made based on real-world experience.
"For any transit system, we're going to have a rollout that continues to learn from everyday in-service of how that project is going to work," Sarkaria explained. "These are early phases, testing phases, this is where we figure out what we need to change, what we need to do to move forward."
Project Background and Challenges
The Eglinton Crosstown represents one of Toronto's most significant transit infrastructure projects in recent decades. Construction on the 25-stop line connecting Mount Dennis in the west end to Kennedy Station in Scarborough began in 2011, with an original opening date scheduled for 2020.
The project has faced multiple delays and challenges, including improperly laid tracks and a train collision during testing last year. With a price tag approaching $13 billion, the line's successful operation has become a priority for provincial officials and transit advocates alike.
Minister Sarkaria emphasized the ongoing commitment to system improvement, stating, "We're working around the clock to ensure that the integrity of this system, the reliability of this system, is improved every single day."
As Toronto prepares for this major transit expansion, the cautious rollout strategy reflects lessons learned from previous projects and a commitment to delivering reliable service to commuters across the city.
