After years of construction and numerous delays, the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit line is finally set to open to the public in the coming weeks, according to an announcement from the provincial government on December 5, 2025.
A Long-Awaited Milestone for Toronto Transit
The announcement marks a significant milestone for a project that has faced considerable setbacks. The 19-kilometre line, which runs both underground and at street level along Eglinton Avenue, will connect dozens of neighbourhoods across Toronto, from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Station in the east. The province's confirmation provides a much-anticipated, though still broad, timeline for commuters who have been watching the project's progress for over a decade.
Project Details and Expected Impact
The Crosstown LRT is designed to ease congestion on one of Toronto's busiest east-west corridors. It will feature 25 stations and stops, integrating with existing subway lines, bus routes, and the GO Transit network. The line is expected to significantly improve transit access for hundreds of thousands of residents and reduce travel times across the city. While the province did not provide a specific calendar date, the phrase "in the coming weeks" suggests a launch is imminent, potentially before the end of the year or in early 2026.
Overcoming Delays and Looking Ahead
The project's journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, including construction complexities, utility relocations, and the impacts of the global pandemic, all of which contributed to pushing the opening date far beyond initial estimates. The final stages now involve rigorous testing and safety certifications. The opening will culminate one of the largest transit infrastructure projects in Ontario's history and is seen as a critical piece of the region's future transportation puzzle, with connections planned to other upcoming lines like the Ontario Line.
The provincial announcement brings a concrete, if not precise, end in sight for a project that has tested the patience of Toronto commuters. The coming weeks will finally reveal the finished product and its impact on the city's daily flow.
