The long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown LRT has just entered its last crucial testing phase before opening for the public, but its launch date is still unknown.
Metrolinx confirmed in an email to Now Toronto that the light rail line has entered its Revenue Service Demonstration period on Tuesday, which means the service could be up and running by next month.
Speaking with reporters last month, Metrolinx’s CEO Michael Lindsay said this testing phase lasts 30 days, and if successful, the line would then move into daily operations with passengers.
This testing phase consists of running trains following the same schedule that will take place when the line opens to the public.
According to Lindsay, these tests are crucial to guarantee that the service will be available and reliable when open.
“Every jurisdiction around the world needs to rigorously test these systems to make sure that they work out of the box,” he said.
Lindsay added the Revenue Service Demonstration was originally planned to begin by the end of August, but Metrolinx and the TTC were unable to achieve that goal.
Although tests are originally supposed to be completed in 30 days, Metrolinx has confirmed that if any issues are encountered during the testing period, the line’s launch could be delayed once again.
Meanwhile, there’s still uncertainty about when the Eglinton LRT will finally be open for public use, as the transit company has not yet revealed an opening date.
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Meanwhile, the Finch West LRT began revenue service demonstration on that line last month, but it is unknown when it will open to the public.
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The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is now years behind schedule. Its construction began almost 15 years ago in 2011, and was initially expected to open in 2020.
