Premier Doug Ford says the long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT could finally open in early February, offering the clearest public timeline yet for a project that is years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget.
Ford made the comments while speaking to reporters at an unrelated press conference in Etobicoke on Thursday, despite there still being no official opening date from Metrolinx or the TTC.
“Thank God we’re getting this thing going,” Ford said. “It’s been a nightmare. I’m the first to admit it.”
The 19-kilometre line, which includes 25 stations and stops along Eglinton Avenue, was originally supposed to be completed in 2020 and has since become one of the most troubled transit projects in Ontario.
While Ford suggested the finish line may finally be near in sight, he also stressed the province’s broader transit agenda.
“The good thing is, we’re moving forward on all the other all the other transit, subway programs that we have,” he said.
Today, he announced the first of three new Northlander trainsets has arrived as the province moves closer to a 2026 return of full service.
Ford added that he believes service for the Eglinton Crosstown could begin within a matter of weeks.
“I’m confident it’s going to get going early in February, and we’ll be there to support them any way we can,” he said.
There is still no official confirmation from Metrolinx or the TTC. Meanwhile full operational control of the line has now been handed over to the TTC, which will ultimately determine when passenger service can begin.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has previously said a more formal update on the project’s status is expected later this month, but she cautioned the line will also not open before then.
“You will get an update at the end of January as to where the Eglinton Crosstown, where it’s at, and we’ll be able to say more at that time,” Chow told reporters last month.
The mayor also said the city is working to ensure Crosstown vehicles are given signal priority when the line does eventually open.
For now, riders are still waiting but Ford’s comments mark the first official insight of the year on when the LRT could open.
