Toronto, ON – Toronto commuters will have to wait longer for the long-anticipated Eglinton Crosstown LRT, after Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay confirmed on Friday that the line will not open in September. The news comes despite earlier hints from Premier Doug Ford and growing speculation that riders would finally see the new 19-kilometre transit corridor in service this fall.
The project, already five years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget, continues to face technical and operational hurdles even as testing ramps up. Lindsay said the Crosstown recently logged over 10,000 kilometres of trial operations using 20 to 22 trains, but persistent issues with vehicle reliability and system performance have delayed the next critical step toward opening.
Before the line can launch, the Crosstown must complete a 30-day revenue service demonstration, during which trains run as if carrying passengers, stations operate on full schedules, and every system is tested under real-world conditions. Lindsay confirmed this demonstration has not yet started, meaning September was never realistic.
“Since it’s not September, now we’re hoping it’s October,” Lindsay said. “It really is about week-over-week, looking at what vehicle numbers tell us about system performance.”
Metrolinx continues to grapple with vehicle reliability challenges that have plagued the project for months. Problems with braking systems, onboard communications, and HVAC units remain on the list of items to be addressed before service can be deemed reliable.
The line’s vehicles, many of which were built nearly a decade ago, have shown wear and stress during extended testing. Officials say the 10,000 km of recent trial runs provided valuable data but also highlighted the need for additional maintenance and adjustments.
Construction on the Crosstown began more than a decade ago, promising to transform east–west travel in midtown Toronto. The line features 25 stations and is designed to connect with two TTC subway lines and two GO Transit commuter rail corridors. Once operational, it is expected to cut travel times along Eglinton Avenue by as much as 60 percent, providing a faster and more reliable alternative to existing bus services.
But for residents and businesses along the corridor, years of delays, construction disruptions, and shifting timelines have fueled frustration. With the latest postponement, many remain skeptical about when trains will finally open their doors to the public.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has faced mounting calls to hold a public inquiry into the delays, but he has pushed back, insisting that safety must come first. Ford said he has demanded a detailed, line-by-line account of what has caused repeated setbacks, but maintained his priority is ensuring the system is safe and reliable.
Transportation officials have also acknowledged public frustration, noting that each missed deadline further erodes confidence. Still, they stress that completing testing properly is the only way to ensure long-term success.
For now, the focus remains on resolving outstanding technical issues and beginning the required 30-day demonstration. If Metrolinx can stay on track, an October opening is possible, though officials are careful not to commit to firm dates.
As the city braces for another delay, the Crosstown remains both a symbol of Toronto’s transit ambitions and a reminder of the challenges of delivering large-scale infrastructure. The next few weeks will be decisive in determining whether commuters will finally see trains running this fall—or face yet another season of waiting.
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