The Never-Ending Eglinton Crosstown LRT Saga

As we approach 2025, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT—a transit project originally promised for completion in 2020—remains unfinished. Now in its fifth year of delays, Metrolinx suggests the line might open in summer 2024, but even that feels overly optimistic.

This delay has not only disrupted transit riders but has devastated local businesses along Eglinton Avenue, with many closing their doors permanently due to the prolonged construction. What was intended to be a transformative project for Toronto has instead become a symbol of systemic failure.

The Financial Picture: Then vs. Now

2010-2011 Financials

• Capital Assets: $4.94 billion
• Operating Subsidies: $97 million
• Deferred Contributions: $3.82 billion
• Cost Recovery Ratio: 82.2%

2024-2025 Financials

• Capital Assets: $41.97 billion
• Operating Subsidies: $846 million annually
• Deferred Contributions: $36.76 billion
• Cost Recovery Ratio: Significantly reduced

In just over a decade, Metrolinx has expanded massively, but not without consequences. Its reliance on taxpayer subsidies has surged, while delayed projects like the Eglinton Crosstown continue to drive up costs. The organization now faces growing public scrutiny over its ability to deliver on its commitments.

Key Challenges and Impacts

Beyond the numbers, Metrolinx’s failures have real-world consequences:

• Businesses: Prolonged construction on Eglinton has devastated local businesses. A 2023 survey indicated that nearly 30% of storefronts along key sections of the corridor had closed permanently.
• Transit Riders: Toronto commuters are left to rely on overcrowded and aging transit options while promised improvements remain in limbo.
• Taxpayers: With subsidies now exceeding $846 million annually, Ontarians are footing the bill for delays and inefficiencies.

Who Needs to Act—and How?

Solving Metrolinx’s systemic issues requires immediate action from all stakeholders. Here’s what each group can do to ensure progress:

For the Ontario Government

• Establish an independent oversight agency to monitor Metrolinx’s projects, enforce deadlines, and audit budgets.
• Limit political interference by empowering experts to prioritize projects based on long-term needs rather than election cycles.
• Cap subsidies and require Metrolinx to develop a strategy to reduce its reliance on taxpayer funding.

For Metrolinx Leadership

• Provide regular, detailed updates to the public on project timelines, budgets, and risks.
• Focus on completing overdue projects like the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT before committing to new initiatives.
• Enforce fixed-scope contracts to prevent scope creep and ensure contractors are held accountable for delays.

For Municipal Governments

• Advocate for financial relief for businesses impacted by construction delays.
• Collaborate with Metrolinx to enhance interim transit services, such as increasing bus frequency and adding dedicated bus lanes.
• Ensure new transit infrastructure aligns with housing and economic development to maximize ridership.

For Transit Riders and Advocacy Groups

• Push for greater transparency and accountability through public consultations and forums.
• Support local businesses affected by Metrolinx projects.
• Demand actionable timelines and clear communication from Metrolinx leadership.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Toronto’s transit system is at a crossroads. Projects like the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Ontario Line were meant to propel the city forward, but delays and cost overruns threaten to derail public trust.

As we head into 2025, the path forward is clear: prioritize transparency, enforce accountability, and refocus on delivering the transit system Toronto deserves. By taking these steps, Metrolinx can move from being a source of frustration to a driver of progress.