The Opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT: A Long-Awaited Milestone
This Sunday marks a significant milestone for Toronto as the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) officially opens its doors to the public. This 19-kilometer line has garnered attention not only for its long-awaited debut but also for its troubled history—six years behind schedule and over a billion dollars over budget. While the anticipation and excitement surrounding the launch are palpable, stakeholders urge the public to manage their expectations regarding service as the line is not yet operating at full capacity.
TTC CEO Mandep Lai has acknowledged that, even as operations commence, it will take time to reach optimal service levels. The Crosstown LRT runs from Black Creek Drive in the west to Kennedy Station in the east, connecting various communities along the way. Initially, weekday service will run from 5:40 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with slightly reduced hours on weekends, leaving many eager riders wondering when they can enjoy the full service this ambitious project promises.
Lessons Learned and Feelings of Frustration
The long journey to this opening has left a mixed bag of emotions among local residents and small business owners. In areas like Little Jamaica, where more than 300 small businesses have closed during the lengthy construction period, the anticipated benefits of the LRT are overshadowed by a sense of loss and disillusionment. Jason McDonald, from the Little Jamaica Business Improvement Association, expressed concerns over the past delays, stating that the initial promise of a "short-term inconvenience" has evolved into a "generational burden."
McDonald, along with other community members, is excited but cautious about the opening date: “Yes, we’re going to be there on Sunday, but we are also here to remind everyone of the past. Metro Links has lost all credibility with us,” he said. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment in the community, highlighting the need for urgent discussions on compensation and support to help the local businesses recover.
The challenges faced by businesses during the construction phase cannot be overstated. Many shop owners reported significant financial losses and ongoing health and safety issues—conditions exacerbated by insufficient communication and transparency from Metro Links, the agency in charge of the project.
A Community Prepared for Change
Despite these frustrations, there is hope that the Eglinton Crosstown will bring about positive changes. Once fully operational, the LRT will facilitate easier commutes for residents, with connections to 54 bus routes and three subway lines. This interconnectivity aims to ease congestion in the area and reduce reliance on other forms of public transport.
Community leaders stress the importance of a collaborative approach moving forward. McDonald emphasized that “the opening of the LRT is not a cure-all.” He called for dialogue with Metro Links about how to restore the local economy and support those businesses still standing. The need for greater community engagement and respect for local businesses emerges as a central theme in these discussions.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation grows for Sunday’s grand opening, many residents are left wondering about the LRT’s future. Will it be the catalyst for revitalization that Little Jamaica desperately needs? Or will it signify yet another chapter of missed opportunities? While rides on opening day will be free, the commitment to managing expectations remains crucial. Riders may find the service to be a work in progress, with some enhancements expected to be completed later in the spring.
What remains clear is that, while the Eglinton Crosstown LRT may finally be arriving, the conversation will continue long after the trains start rolling. The real test will be whether the communities affected by its delayed progress will see the promised improvements or if they will continue to bear the burdens of past construction missteps. Ultimately, as the first trains depart from Kennedy Station on Sunday, a community will be watching closely, hoping for rejuvenation amidst the shadows of loss.
