Fact Check: Eglinton LRT opening may face yet another delay, investigation reveals.

Fact Check: "Eglinton LRT opening may face yet another delay, investigation reveals."

What We Know

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT has been under construction since 2011, with an initial completion target set for 2020. However, various issues, including a pandemic, lawsuits, and technical problems, have caused significant delays. Recent reports indicate that the line may not open as planned in September 2025 due to ongoing testing and potential complications. Confidential documents reviewed by the Toronto Star suggest that the testing phase could extend beyond the anticipated opening date, indicating a possible "soft-opening" approach where the line opens in phases rather than all at once (source-1).

Metrolinx, the agency overseeing the project, has confirmed that they are conducting rigorous testing to ensure the line is safe and reliable before opening. The CEO of Metrolinx, Michael Lindsay, stated that the testing is designed to prevent issues similar to those experienced with the Ottawa LRT, which faced significant operational problems shortly after its launch (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that the Eglinton LRT opening may face further delays is supported by multiple sources. The Toronto Star reports that testing phases could extend past the expected September opening, with the revenue service demonstration needing to run problem-free for three consecutive weeks before the line can officially open (source-1). Additionally, the TTC spokesperson confirmed that while train operations have been transferred to the TTC, there are still several milestones that must be completed before the line is ready for public use (source-2).

However, there are conflicting reports regarding the certainty of the September opening. Premier Doug Ford has expressed optimism about the timeline, stating that the line is still on track for a September opening if testing goes well (source-4). This optimism may reflect political pressure to meet deadlines, which could influence the reliability of the information provided.

The reliability of the sources varies; the Toronto Star and CBC are reputable news organizations, while statements from political figures like Premier Ford may carry bias due to their vested interest in the project’s timely completion. Therefore, while there is substantial evidence suggesting potential delays, the final outcome remains uncertain and dependent on the ongoing testing results.

Conclusion

The claim that the Eglinton LRT opening may face yet another delay is Partially True. While there is credible evidence indicating that testing could extend beyond the expected September opening, there are also official statements suggesting that the timeline could still be met if testing proceeds without issues. The situation remains fluid, and the final decision will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing testing phases.

Fact Check: Eglinton LRT opening may face yet another delay, investigation reveals.