The Eglinton Crosstown project is set to receive enhancements to its traffic signal system, aiming to ensure that it operates more efficiently than the Finch West LRT. However, according to Jamaal Myers, the Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), these improvements will not be fully realized until May.
"We have taken lessons from the experiences with Finch, and we are committed to avoiding the same pitfalls," Myers stated during a news conference with CTV News Toronto when asked about the Crosstown’s expected performance.
Recently, Ontario’s Transportation Minister, Prabmeet Sarkaria, mentioned that both the Finch and Eglinton transit lines were designed to function at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. Yet, since the Finch West LRT began operations in December, riders have reported a far slower experience, largely attributed to congested intersections where vehicles often get halted by traffic.
To address this, the city is actively exploring the implementation of signal prioritization for the LRT, which would enable faster movement for the vehicles. Nonetheless, a timeline for these changes remains unclear.
The Crosstown line will feature an underground section stretching 11 kilometers through the heart of the city, but similar to the Finch West LRT, it will surface and run above ground at both ends.
In a statement to CP24.com, the TTC shared that they are currently conducting tests on a proof of concept for transit signal prioritization (TSP) along Spadina Avenue. "We are collaborating with Metrolinx and the City to expedite the TSP rollout," said TTC spokesperson Stuart Green. "Our pilot project on Spadina aims to validate the concept, and we plan to extend it to LRT lines at the earliest opportunity."
However, Green could not provide a definitive date for when signal prioritization would take effect on either transit line.
Myers also addressed concerns raised in the Globe and Mail regarding delays in the Crosstown’s opening linked to issues with the emergency braking system on the trains. "Metrolinx has resolved the safety-critical items identified by the TTC as necessary for the line’s launch. We did encounter a problem related to the emergency brakes, but that has been rectified," he explained, adding that the project remains on schedule for its opening, though he refrained from specifying a date.
Earlier reports indicated that the line might open on February 8; however, public officials have expressed caution about this date. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali even remarked that it would be "irresponsible" to confirm an opening date at this time. Additionally, officials announced that upon its initial opening, the Crosstown will operate under reduced hours.
In a related note, TTC officials gathered with federal representatives at Greenwood Yards to announce a new agreement allowing for the acquisition of subway trains from Alstom, aimed at replacing the aging fleet on Line 2.
