After years of delays and massive cost overruns, a glimmer of hope has finally appeared for Toronto's beleaguered Eglinton Crosstown LRT project. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has publicly suggested the long-awaited transit line could begin passenger service as soon as early February.
A 'Nightmare' Project Nears the Finish Line
Premier Ford addressed the media in Etobicoke on Thursday, January 9, 2026, offering the first political insight of the new year into the project's potential opening. The Premier expressed confidence that the line would "get going early in February," according to a report by CTV News. He acknowledged the immense challenges, stating, "Thank God we're getting this thing going. It's been a nightmare. I'm the first to admit it."
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is one of Ontario's most troubled infrastructure projects. It is a staggering five years behind its original 2020 completion date and approximately $1 billion over its initial budget. The 19-kilometre light rail line runs along Eglinton Avenue, featuring 25 stations and stops, and is designed to significantly improve east-west transit across Canada's largest city.
No Official Date, But a Critical Handover
Despite Ford's optimistic comments, neither Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency that oversaw construction, nor the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has announced an official opening date. However, a critical milestone has been reached: operational control of the line has been formally transferred from Metrolinx to the TTC. The TTC will now be responsible for conducting final testing and determining when the line is safe and ready for public use.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has tempered expectations, cautioning that the line will not open before the end of January. She told reporters last month that a more formal project update is expected later in January. "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 said.
What Comes Next for Toronto Transit?
The potential opening of the Eglinton LRT in February would mark the end of a painful chapter for Toronto commuters and taxpayers. The project's history has been marred by construction disputes, technical issues, and repeated missed deadlines, drawing intense criticism from all levels of government and the public.
Once operational, the Crosstown is expected to provide a reliable, high-capacity transit option, linking neighbourhoods from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Station in the east. Its success is seen as crucial for the credibility of future major transit projects in the Greater Toronto Area. All eyes will now be on the TTC and Metrolinx in the coming weeks as they work to deliver on the Premier's hopeful timeline and finally bring this vital piece of infrastructure to life.
