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 demanding answers about the project’s staggering delays, cost overruns, and the toll it’s taken on residents and businesses. Could this be a triumph of perseverance or a cautionary tale of mismanagement? Let’s dive in.
This $13-billion light rail project, originally slated to launch in 2020, has been plagued by construction issues, legal battles, pandemic setbacks, and persistent challenges that pushed it roughly $1 billion over budget. And this is the part most people miss: despite the fanfare, the line is opening in phases, allowing officials to monitor performance and address issues as they arise. CP24 is on the ground, bringing you live updates from the first trains to rider reactions—will this long-promised line deliver on speed, reliability, and convenience?
7:50 a.m. - CP24’s Melissa Duggan Reports
CP24’s Melissa Duggan is aboard one of the first Line 5 trains, sharing real-time insights. The inaugural train was packed to capacity, but the second offered more breathing room as service ramps up. Stay tuned as we continue live coverage from stations along the route, capturing the public’s first impressions of this transformative transit line.
7:40 a.m. - Councillor Calls for Accountability
City Councillor Josh Matlow welcomes the opening but insists the project deserves scrutiny. “Even good things can be done badly,” he wrote on social media, advocating for a public inquiry into the delays, cost overruns, and lack of transparency. He argues this is about preventing future mistakes—a bold stance that’s sure to spark debate. Do you think a public inquiry is necessary, or is it time to move forward?
7:30 a.m. - Scarborough MPP Echoes Calls for Transparency
Scarborough—Guildwood MPP Andrea Hazell celebrated the opening but didn’t hold back on demanding answers. “This is the taxpayers’ project,” she emphasized, congratulating commuters while vowing to push for a public inquiry into the project’s troubled timeline and ballooning costs. Her stance raises a critical question: Should taxpayers settle for a completed project, or do they deserve a full accounting of what went wrong?
7 a.m. - Enthusiastic Crowds Gather
Long before dawn, eager riders lined up outside Kennedy Station, some arriving as early as 10:30 p.m. the night before, braving frigid temperatures to be part of this historic day. Enthusiasts traveled from as far as Ottawa and China, highlighting the immense public interest in this long-delayed project. Their dedication underscores the emotional investment in this transit line—but will it live up to the hype?
As the day unfolds, CP24 will keep you updated on this landmark moment for Toronto’s transit system. But here’s a thought to ponder: Is the Eglinton Crosstown LRT a symbol of resilience or a reminder of systemic challenges in public infrastructure? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
