“Substantial Completion” Marks a Key Milestone

Provincial officials announced on December 5, 2025 that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has reached “substantial completion,” clearing the way for public operation. This milestone comes after more than a decade of construction and delays — and signals that the 19-kilometre, 25-station light rail project is ready for handover to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for final preparations.

At a recent event for another transit line, Premier Ford said that the Crosstown LRT could open in 2026 — or, as he put it, “very soon after.” This marks a shift from earlier targets, which had hoped for an opening by late 2025.

What “Substantial Completion” Actually Means

Final Testing Phase Completed

Officials say the final stage of testing — including weather simulations and heavy-use trials — has been completed successfully. Engineers reportedly ran the system at “full capacity,” including trains operating 16 hours a day and covering over 11,000 kilometres per week, to ensure the network performs under real-world conditions.

With this completed, the TTC is now set to take “full operational control” of Line 5, giving them authority to finalize opening schedules and staffing.

What Riders Can Expect

Once launched, the line is planned to operate initially from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, with trains arriving every 4 minutes and 45 seconds at peak times.

Over the first six months, service will gradually ramp up: it will shift to a broader schedule of 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and peak-period frequency may improve to about every 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

The route will run from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy station in the east — offering connections to several existing subway lines, GO Transit services, and numerous bus routes, which aims to significantly cut cross-city travel times.

Why the Opening Has Been So Delayed

The project — which began construction in 2011 — was originally slated to open in 2020.  Since then, a string of complications — from construction setbacks to Covid-19 disruptions to technical problems during testing and commissioning — have pushed the date back repeatedly.

In mid-2025, officials admitted that completing the line by fall was increasingly unlikely. Interim TTC leadership acknowledged the next few months of testing and commissioning would determine an actual launch timeline.

Still, some problems persisted well into construction’s final phases — including technical issues with signalling, braking systems, and HVAC, all of which had to be corrected before any approval for public service.

Given the long and troubled history, many had grown skeptical of optimistic opening dates — yet the substantial completion announcement marks a critical turning point.

What Comes Next: TTC to Decide Official Launch Date

With the line now technically complete, responsibility shifts to the TTC to schedule an official opening. The agency has not yet provided a firm date, but Premier Ford’s remarks and provincial officials’ statements suggest that service could begin in early 2026.

Officials have emphasized that while they want to open the line soon, they are prioritizing safety and reliability over speed — a lesson learned from earlier rail-transit failures elsewhere.

Once operational, the new line could significantly improve cross-city connectivity, relieve pressure on existing transit routes, and offer faster travel for thousands of riders between suburban, midtown and downtown areas.

What This Means for Toronto Commuters

• Faster, more reliable transit: The Crosstown LRT promises to cut travel times across east–west corridors of midtown Toronto, connecting major neighbourhoods without relying solely on buses.

• Expanded network integration: With 25 stations and connections to other subway and GO-Transit lines, the line will offer seamless transfers across the greater Toronto area.

• Improved transit capacity just in time: Opening in early 2026 — during a period of growing population and commuter demand — could ease congestion on overcrowded bus and subway routes.

• Phased ramp-up to full service: Riders should expect limited hours and frequency at first, with gradual expansion over the first six months.

That said, some uncertainty remains. The TTC must still finalize staffing, scheduling, safety protocols, and public communication. And while officials have pledged readiness, actual service depends on successful final inspections and logistics coordination.

Conclusion: A Long-Delayed Project Nears the Finish Line

After more than 14 years, countless delays, and repeated promises, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is finally on the verge of becoming a reality. With substantial completion declared and control handed to the TTC, what remains is a matter of timing — not construction.

Premier Ford’s assurance that the line will likely open in early 2026 suggests the wait may soon be over. For Toronto commuters, that could mean a new era of faster, more efficient transit across midtown and beyond.