{"id":461826,"date":"2026-02-08T13:55:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T13:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/461826\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T13:55:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T13:55:15","slug":"eglinton-crosstown-lrt-opens-today-live-updates-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/461826\/","title":{"rendered":"Eglinton Crosstown LRT opens today, live updates here"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watch CP24’s LIVE coverage of breaking news in the GTA. <\/p>\n

After more than a decade of delays, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT officially opens today.<\/p>\n

The long-awaited transit line, now known as Line 5 Eglinton, will begin with free service<\/a> offered all day as riders get their first chance to experience a project that has both reshaped and disrupted Eglinton Avenue for 15 years.<\/p>\n

The $13-billion light rail project was originally slated to open in 2020 but was repeatedly delayed by construction deficiencies, legal disputes, pandemic disruptions, and persistent problems, pushing the project roughly $1 billion over budget.<\/p>\n

CP24 will have live coverage throughout the day, from the first trains leaving stations to rider reaction and feedback on whether the long-promised line delivers on speed, reliability and convenience.<\/p>\n

It should be noted that the TTC is rolling out the Crosstown through a phased opening<\/a> that will allow officials to monitor performance and address problems as they arise. <\/p>\n

Follow along for live updates. <\/p>\n

8:39 a.m. – Transit advocates celebrate<\/p>\n

York University professor Joe Mihevc marked the opening of Line 5 Eglinton by celebrating what he called a milestone moment for Toronto transit.<\/p>\n

\u201cPathological transit geek bragging: I was on the first St Clair LRT, the first Finch LRT and now the first Eglinton LRT on opening day,\u201d Mihevc wrote.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe is a time to build, there is a time to evaluate. And today is the time to celebrate the first revenue service vehicle on the Eglinton LRT.\u201d<\/p>\n

8:20 a.m. – Brief delays reported<\/p>\n

The TTC reported a brief westbound delay at O\u2019Connor Station on Line 5 Eglinton due to a \u201cmechanical issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an update shortly after, the TTC said regular service had resumed, noting the delay lasted only a few minutes.<\/p>\n

The brief interruption came within the first hour of service, as the newly opened line began carrying large crowds eager to ride the long-awaited Crosstown.<\/p>\n

Line 5 Eglinton: Delays westbound at O’Connor station while we fix a mechanical problem.<\/p>\n

\u2014 TTC Service Alerts (@TTCnotices) February 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7:50 a.m. – CP24\u2019s Melissa Duggan<\/p>\n

CP24 reporter Melissa Duggan is riding one of the first Line 5 Eglinton trains to leave the station, sharing live updates throughout the morning.<\/p>\n

She says the very first train was too packed to board, but notes the second train was noticeably more spacious, giving riders room to move as the day\u2019s service ramps up.<\/p>\n

CP24 will continue live coverage from stations along the line as riders get their first look at the long-awaited transit route.<\/p>\n

7:40 a.m. – Councillor calls for public inquiry<\/p>\n

City Coun. Josh Matlow says he is pleased the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is finally open, but argues the project still requires public scrutiny.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m excited that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is finally open. But even good things can be done badly,\u201d Matlow wrote on social media.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s critical that Premier Ford allow a public inquiry into the many years of delays, massive cost overruns, problems with contracts and construction, lack of transparency and the impacts on residents and small businesses. It\u2019s about genuine accountability, and to prevent these mistakes from ever being repeated on future projects.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"LINE 5 CP24’s Melissa Duggan photo on Feb. 8 2026. 7:30 a.m. – Scarborough MPP welcomes opening, calls for public inquiry<\/p>\n

Scarborough\u2014Guildwood MPP Andrea Hazell welcomed the opening of Line 5 Eglinton, while also calling for accountability over the project\u2019s long delays and cost overruns.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great day for Scarborough. I am not going to knock the government, but I just want people to know that I am congratulating the taxpayers of Ontario. This is their project,\u201d Hazell said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to say congratulations to all the commuters that is going to be using this service today. And what a day for Scarborough. So congratulations to Scarborough, good connectivity for the residents here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Andre Hazel <\/p>\n

Hazell added that she will continue to push for answers about the project\u2019s troubled timeline and ballooning costs.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I want to tell you, I\u2019m still going to push and pressure that government to do a public inquiry unto why this project took this long and $1 billion over over budget, the taxpayers of Ontario they need answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

7 a.m. – Long lines form outside Kennedy Station<\/p>\n

Long lines wrapped around the building at Kennedy Station early Sunday morning as riders waited to be among the first to board the newly opened Eglinton Crosstown LRT.<\/p>\n

\"\"TTC LINE 5 <\/p>\n

Some people told CP24 they began lining up as early as 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, camping out in bitter cold temperatures for a chance to ride the long-delayed line. They say \u201cwillpower\u201d helped them get through the night. <\/p>\n

\"\"LINE 5 TTC <\/p>\n

A number of riders said they travelled from as far as Ottawa and China to be part of the opening day, underscoring the high level of public interest after more than a decade of delays.<\/p>\n