Eglinton Crosstown LRT Set to Launch This Sunday, Culminating 15-Year Build
The Toronto Transit Commission Board has made the official announcement that the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit line will commence passenger service this Sunday, February 8, 2026. This momentous event arrives a full fifteen years after construction first broke ground on this ambitious infrastructure project, which has faced numerous delays and challenges over its lengthy development timeline.
Free Fares to Celebrate Inaugural Day of Service
In a move to encourage ridership and celebrate the launch, the TTC has confirmed that passenger fares will be completely waived on opening day. This gesture is expected to draw large crowds of curious Torontonians and transit enthusiasts eager to be among the first to experience the new line. The free fare offer applies to all trips taken on the Eglinton LRT throughout its inaugural day of operation.
A Long-Awaited Milestone for Toronto's Transit Network
The commencement of service represents a critical milestone for Toronto's expanding public transportation system. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is a 19-kilometre east-west route that runs largely underground, featuring 25 stations between Mount Dennis and Kennedy. It is designed to alleviate congestion on one of the city's busiest corridors and provide a modern, efficient transit alternative.
The project's journey from conception to completion has been a protracted one, marked by complex engineering hurdles, budgetary considerations, and the sheer scale of constructing a major transit line through a densely populated urban area. Its opening is poised to significantly alter commute patterns and accessibility for residents across numerous neighbourhoods.
Looking Ahead: Integration and Future Impact
With the line now operational, focus shifts to its integration into the broader TTC network and its long-term impact on urban mobility. Transit advocates and city planners will be closely monitoring ridership numbers, operational reliability, and the line's effect on reducing vehicular traffic along the Eglinton Avenue corridor. The successful launch of the Crosstown could also serve as a blueprint for future transit expansions within the Greater Toronto Area.
The official opening this Sunday not only delivers a promised piece of infrastructure but also closes a significant chapter in Toronto's ongoing narrative of transit development and urban growth.
