After 15 long years of anticipation, frustration, and billions spent, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT—now officially Line 5 Eglinton—finally opens its doors to the public today with a full day of free service. But here's where it gets controversial: while riders are eager to celebrate this milestone, many are also demanding answers about the project's staggering delays, cost overruns, and the impact on local communities. Could this be a triumph of perseverance or a cautionary tale of mismanagement? Let’s dive in.
The $13-billion light rail project, originally slated for a 2020 debut, has been plagued by a series of setbacks—from construction flaws and legal battles to pandemic disruptions. These challenges pushed the project roughly $1 billion over budget, leaving taxpayers and officials alike questioning what went wrong. And this is the part most people miss: despite the fanfare, the line is launching in phases, allowing officials to monitor performance and address issues as they arise. Will this strategy prevent future headaches, or is it just a band-aid on a deeper problem?
CP24 is on the ground, bringing you live updates throughout the day. From the first trains rolling out of stations to rider reactions, we’ll explore whether Line 5 Eglinton delivers on its promises of speed, reliability, and convenience. At 7:50 a.m., CP24’s Melissa Duggan reported from one of the inaugural trains, noting that while the first train was overcrowded, the second offered riders more breathing room as service ramped up.
But the opening isn’t without its critics. City Councillor Josh Matlow celebrated the launch but called for a public inquiry into the project’s troubles. “Even good things can be done badly,” he wrote on social media, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Similarly, Scarborough—Guildwood MPP Andrea Hazell hailed the opening as a win for commuters but vowed to keep pushing for answers on the project’s ballooning costs and delays. “Taxpayers deserve to know why this took so long and went $1 billion over budget,” she stated.
The public’s enthusiasm was undeniable, with long lines forming outside Kennedy Station as early as 10:30 p.m. the night before. Some riders even traveled from Ottawa and China to witness the historic day, braving freezing temperatures with nothing but “willpower” to keep them going. Their dedication highlights the immense public interest in a project that has reshaped—and disrupted—Eglinton Avenue for over a decade.
As we celebrate this long-awaited achievement, it’s worth asking: What lessons should we take away from the Eglinton Crosstown LRT’s journey? Is this a story of resilience, or a warning about the pitfalls of large-scale infrastructure projects? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
