Toronto’s long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown light rail line finally opened Sunday after nearly 15 years of construction and repeated setbacks. Line 5 Eglinton began carrying passengers on Feb. 8, offering a key new east-west transit option across the city.
The 19-kilometre route with 25 stations stretches from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Station in the east. Officials said the phased launch will allow service to ramp up over several months while crews fine-tune operations. Rides were free on opening day to encourage riders to test the new service.
This project was first proposed under Toronto’s Transit City plan and construction began in 2011. It was originally scheduled to open in 2020. Problems with signalling systems, construction challenges, legal disputes and pandemic-related delays pushed the start of service back by six years, making the wait feel even longer for commuters.
Early riders had mixed reactions. Some celebrated finally having a new rapid transit choice. Others focused on the toll the delays took on daily travel.
“I’ve waited so long for this,” said Christiana Lopez, a daily commuter at Eglinton station. “It’s exciting to ride now, but the years of traffic and uncertainty made it hard to plan my work route.”
Another passenger, Ahmed Khan, said the delays frustrated him. “It should have been done years ago,” he said while boarding his first train. “I’m glad it’s open, but the wait felt endless.”
Officials said the Crosstown will eventually link tens of bus routes, three subway lines and multiple GO Transit services. The project cost more than $13 billion, and government agencies say they will now focus on ensuring reliable service and integrating Line 5 into the broader network.
The phased rollout includes modified service hours and frequency adjustments while TTC staff monitor performance and rider feedback. Riders will see service increase over six months as crews refine schedules and address early operational issues.
For many Torontonians the opening marks the end of a long wait. For others it begins a new chapter in how they get around the city each day.
