After a decade-long wait, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT officially opens today, marking a significant milestone in Toronto's public transportation network. The highly anticipated transit line, now known as Line 5 Eglinton, is set to begin operations with a free service offered all day, allowing riders to experience a project that has both reshaped and disrupted Eglinton Avenue for 15 years. The $13-billion light rail project faced numerous challenges, including construction deficiencies, legal disputes, pandemic disruptions, and persistent issues, pushing the project over budget by approximately $1 billion. Despite these setbacks, the opening of Line 5 Eglinton is a testament to the city's commitment to improving transit infrastructure. CP24 will provide live coverage throughout the day, capturing the first trains leaving stations, rider reactions, and feedback on the line's performance in terms of speed, reliability, and convenience. The TTC's phased opening strategy will enable officials to monitor and address any emerging issues promptly. As the day unfolds, we'll bring you live updates, starting with CP24 reporter Melissa Duggan's experience on one of the first trains, her observations on passenger capacity, and the overall atmosphere at the stations. At 7:40 a.m., City Councillor Josh Matlow expressed his excitement about the opening while emphasizing the need for public scrutiny and accountability. He called for a public inquiry into the project's delays, cost overruns, and lack of transparency, highlighting the importance of learning from these mistakes to prevent them from recurring in future projects. Similarly, Scarborough MPP Andrea Hazell welcomed the opening, acknowledging the taxpayers' investment while advocating for answers regarding the project's prolonged timeline and budget overruns. At 7 a.m., long lines were already forming outside Kennedy Station, with some riders camping out overnight to be among the first to board the newly opened LRT. The high level of public interest, evident from riders traveling from Ottawa and China, underscores the significance of this opening day after a decade of anticipation.
