The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, originally scheduled to open in 2020, has faced years of delays and cost overruns, ballooning from an $8.2 billion budget to $12.8 billion. Now, with final testing completed and Ontario’s transportation minister suggesting a “possibility” of opening before 2026, Toronto is closer than ever to seeing this long-awaited transit line launch. Its benefits include easing congestion, improving east–west connectivity, boosting economic activity, and reshaping urban growth across the GTA.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT: Toronto’s Long-Awaited Transit Transformation
Introduction
Toronto’s transit landscape has been defined by both ambition and frustration. Few projects embody this duality more than the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT). First announced with great fanfare, the Crosstown was meant to revolutionize east–west travel across midtown Toronto. Yet, after years of delays, cost overruns, and public skepticism, the project is finally nearing completion. Ontario’s transportation minister recently stated there is a “possibility” the line could open before 2026 , a cautious but hopeful signal that Toronto may soon reap the benefits of this transformative infrastructure.
A History of Delays
- Original Timeline: The Crosstown was initially scheduled to open in 2020.
- Budget: Originally pegged at $8.2 billion, costs have since risen to $12.8 billion.
- Delays: Construction challenges, technical issues, and even a collision during testing in October 2025 pushed the timeline back repeatedly.
- Current Status: As of December 2025, the Crosstown has completed its final revenue service demonstration (RSD) , a 30-day period simulating real operations without passengers. The line is now being prepared for handover to the TTC.
These delays have tested public patience. Toronto residents have endured years of construction disruption along Eglinton Avenue, with businesses suffering from reduced foot traffic and commuters facing detours. The Crosstown became a symbol of bureaucratic inefficiency, but its imminent launch marks a turning point.
Benefits for Toronto
1. Congestion Relief
Toronto’s transit system is heavily oriented north–south, with the Yonge subway line often overwhelmed. The Crosstown provides a 19-kilometre east–west corridor across midtown, connecting 25 stations and linking with existing subway and bus routes. This will ease pressure on Line 1 and reduce gridlock along Eglinton Avenue.
2. Economic Boost
- Local Businesses: Improved accessibility will revitalize commercial strips along Eglinton.
- Property Values: Areas near Crosstown stations are expected to see rising demand, spurring development.
- Job Creation: Construction has already generated thousands of jobs, and ongoing operations will sustain employment.
3. Urban Growth & Equity
By improving access to midtown and suburban areas, the Crosstown will encourage population dispersal. This reduces the burden on Toronto’s core while boosting smaller communities. Affordable housing initiatives, combined with better transit, could make towns outside the downtown core more attractive.
4. Environmental Benefits
The LRT is electric, reducing reliance on cars and cutting emissions. With climate change a pressing issue, the Crosstown aligns with Toronto’s sustainability goals.
Linking Transit to Housing Policy
Mark Carney recently praised Canada’s new government for investing in housing supply and eliminating GST for first-time buyers. Transit projects like the Crosstown complement these policies. Affordable housing is only viable if connected to efficient transit. By linking midtown Toronto to surrounding areas, the Crosstown enables people to live farther from the core without sacrificing accessibility. This could ease housing demand in Toronto and Montreal, while boosting smaller towns and cities.
The Broader Vision: Rail Upgrades Beyond Toronto
While the Crosstown is a local project, its implications are national. If Canada invests in high-speed rail upgrades (250 km/h) on existing tracks, smaller towns could become viable commuter hubs. This would:
- Reduce pressure on Toronto and Montreal.
- Encourage migration to smaller cities.
- Stimulate local economies through new housing, retail, and services.
The Crosstown demonstrates how transit can reshape urban geography. Extending this vision nationwide could transform Canada’s economic landscape.
Public Trust and Accountability
Despite optimism, the Crosstown’s troubled history underscores the need for transparency. Toronto councillor Josh Matlow has demanded accountability from Metrolinx, citing testing issues and collisions. Restoring public trust requires clear communication about safety, timelines, and costs. The Crosstown’s eventual success could rehabilitate confidence in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is more than a transit line ,it is a symbol of Toronto’s resilience and ambition. After years of frustration, the project is finally close to launch. Its benefits will ripple across the city, easing congestion, boosting economic activity, supporting housing policy, and advancing sustainability. While delays have been costly, the Crosstown’s completion will mark a turning point in Toronto’s transit history. And if Canada pairs such projects with broader rail upgrades, the future could see smaller towns thriving alongside major urban centers.
