The Toronto Eglinton LRT is finally here. After nearly a decade of construction, delays, and budget overruns, Line 5 Eglinton opened on February 8, 2026, giving Toronto commuters a much-needed east-west connection across the city's midtown corridor. For Gen Z riders who have watched this project stretch through their entire teenage years, the opening marks a major milestone in Toronto's transit evolution.

What Is the Eglinton LRT?

The Toronto Eglinton LRT, officially called Line 5 Eglinton, is a 19-kilometre light rail transit line running along Eglinton Avenue from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Station in the east. The line features 25 stations and connects with three existing subway lines: Line 1 Yonge-University at Eglinton Station, Line 2 Bloor-Danforth at Kennedy Station, and the Union Pearson Express at Mount Dennis.

Unlike Toronto's traditional heavy rail subway, the Toronto Eglinton LRT uses lighter, more energy-efficient trains called Flexity Freedom vehicles. These trains can carry up to 490 passengers in three-car configurations and operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h in tunnel sections and 60 km/h on surface portions.

The Journey From Concept to Reality

The Toronto Eglinton LRT has been in the works since 2007 when former mayor David Miller announced it as part of the Transit City plan. Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the project faced numerous delays due to construction challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and disputes between contractors and Metrolinx.

The final price tag? A staggering $12.82 billion, up from the original $9.1 billion contract awarded in 2015. For context, that's more than $670 million per kilometre - making it one of the most expensive transit projects in Canadian history. The delays and cost overruns became a running joke among Toronto commuters, with many Gen Zers growing from children to adults while watching the construction drag on.

Toronto Eglinton LRT Route and Stations

The Toronto Eglinton LRT route is divided into underground and surface sections. From Mount Dennis to Laird Station, the line runs underground through 10 kilometres of tunnel. East of Laird, it emerges to street level and runs along the median of Eglinton Avenue through Scarborough.

Key stations along the Toronto Eglinton LRT include Eglinton Station for transfers to Line 1, Kennedy Station for connections to Line 2 and GO Transit, and Mount Dennis for the Union Pearson Express. Notable neighbourhoods served include Forest Hill, Leaside, and the Golden Mile.

The line uses automatic train control in tunnels, meaning trains can operate with minimal human intervention. This technology allows for more frequent service and smoother rides compared to traditional manually-operated systems.

What This Means for Gen Z Commuters

For Gen Z Torontonians, the Toronto Eglinton LRT offers several advantages over existing bus routes. Travel times are expected to be significantly faster than the current Eglinton bus routes, which crawl through traffic at an average speed of 16-18 km/h. The dedicated right-of-way means no more getting stuck behind cars or waiting in gridlock.

The line also provides better access to educational institutions, with stations near several Toronto District School Board schools and connections to post-secondary campuses. For young professionals working in the midtown business district, the Toronto Eglinton LRT offers a reliable alternative to driving or packed buses.

However, the Toronto Eglinton LRT is just Phase 1. A westward extension to Renforth Station in Mississauga is already under construction and expected to open by 2031. This extension will bring Toronto's subway system into Mississauga for the first time, connecting more suburban communities to the core.

Challenges and Controversies

The Toronto Eglinton LRT hasn't been without controversy. Indigenous groups protested the westward extension plans in 2023 after Metrolinx decided to run tracks above ground near Jane Street, requiring tree removal in areas with cultural significance. Metrolinx promised to replant trees but the incident highlighted ongoing tensions between transit expansion and community concerns.

The project also faced criticism for its handling of delays. For years, Metrolinx refused to provide concrete opening dates, frustrating commuters who had based housing and employment decisions on promised timelines. The final opening came six years later than originally planned.

For Gen Z transit riders, the Toronto Eglinton LRT represents both the potential and pitfalls of major infrastructure projects. While the completed line will improve commutes for thousands, the decade-long construction period and ballooning costs serve as a reminder of how complex urban transit development can be in Canada's largest city.

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