Eglinton Crosstown LRT looks set to begin final testing phase this week

Metrolinx said it hoped to begin a long-awaited, final testing phase sometime this week, although details remain scarce.

Provincial transit agency Metrolinx is hoping the years-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT will enter its final major testing phase this week, a move that could put it on course to open around the start of November.

The agency, which is responsible for building the line, said in a statement that it hoped to begin a long-awaited, final testing phase sometime this week, although details remain scarce.

“We aspire to start the revenue service demonstration for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT this week,” a spokesperson said.

Revenue service demonstration is a period of testing where the route is essentially run as if it were open to the public.

Train routes, schedules and stations are all supposed to operate as if it has officially opened, but without passengers.

Metrolinx has said it wants to see 30 days of successful revenue service demonstration before it can open the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to the public.

If major issues were to be discovered during the 30-day trial, it would set the line further back. If they are not, it could pave the way to open afterwards.

The long-delayed light rail line was started under the previous Liberal government and has continued construction for seven years under the Progressive Conservatives.