TORONTO – A long-anticipated light rail transit line in Toronto, known as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, is on track to open within the next two weeks. Premier Doug Ford announced during a press conference at Queen's Park that the target date for the launch of this transit line is set for February 8, 2026.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project has faced significant delays, with construction beginning 15 years ago and an original opening date that was set six years earlier. This 19-kilometre transit line will connect Kennedy Station in the east of Toronto to Mount Dennis in the west, encompassing a total of 25 stations.

According to provincial plans, service on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is expected to gradually increase over a period of six months following its opening. During this ramp-up period, commuters can anticipate trains operating as frequently as every 3.5 minutes.

A report released last fall by the regional transit agency Metrolinx highlighted that the project's total cost has exceeded $13 billion. This financial burden illustrates the scale and complexity of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which has been a focal point of transit development discussions within the Toronto area.

The prolonged timeline of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT serves as a reflection of broader challenges faced in urban transit projects, including management and funding issues. As the city of Toronto continues to grow and evolve, the successful launch of this light rail line is seen as a critical step toward enhancing the overall public transportation network in the region.

This report provides an overview of the upcoming milestone for Toronto’s transit system and signifies the culmination of years of planning and construction efforts that aim to provide residents with improved transit options.