The testing of the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT has been temporarily halted following a recent incident involving two trains at the Mount Dennis facility. The pause in the revenue service demonstration (RSD) was confirmed by Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria’s office, emphasizing the project’s commitment to safety.
The collision at the maintenance and storage facility led to the suspension of testing, raising questions about potential delays in the 30-day RSD process designed to ensure the system’s readiness for passenger operations. Despite initial testing starting on October 7, officials have not provided a definitive timeline for the line’s opening, which could potentially happen as early as November.
Metrolinx president and CEO Michael Lindsay highlighted that challenges were being addressed during the commissioning phase, indicating a gradual rollout of services rather than an immediate full-scale launch. The operational control of the Eglinton Crosstown has already been transferred to the TTC transit control center, marking a significant step in the project’s progression.
Originally scheduled for a 2020 opening, the Eglinton Crosstown has faced multiple setbacks due to legal, construction, and testing issues, in addition to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to realign TTC routes in preparation for the LRT’s eventual opening.