The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, now known as Line 5 Eglinton, officially opened February 8th after 15 years of construction, and Torontonians are taking notice. While the opening was met with considerable anticipation, some of the most enthusiastic reactions have come from the city's younger residents. These young transit aficionados have been particularly impressed with the line's speed and overall performance.
One such enthusiast, 12-year-old Luis Mario Carrington, told CBC News he was "bamboozled" by the new line. Comparing it to the Finch West LRT, Carrington noted the Eglinton Crosstown felt significantly faster, estimating speeds close to 70 km/hr compared to the 30 km/hr he experienced on the Finch line. "I think it's going to be quick, reliable, fast. It's going to get people where they want to go," he said. Another young rider, 11-year-old Isaac Mandelzys, celebrated his birthday by riding the new train, stating that the trains were faster than expected, especially compared to Line 6.
The Eglinton Crosstown spans 19 kilometers from Mount Dennis to Kennedy, with a mix of underground and surface sections. The trip from Kennedy to Mount Dennis took approximately 55 minutes on the inaugural run. While the project faced numerous delays and a few controversies over the years, its opening marks a significant expansion of Toronto's transit network.
The new line is expected to carry over 123,000 riders each weekday, connecting to 54 bus routes, three TTC subway stations, and multiple GO Transit lines. The Eglinton Crosstown is projected to reduce travel times across the city by up to 60%. With extensions planned to the west, the Eglinton Crosstown is poised to become a vital artery in Toronto's transportation infrastructure.
