Metrolinx has paused a final test of the Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit line after an incident late last week, Ontario’s transportation ministry says.
No one was injured in the incident, according to the provincial government source, and no details were provided on the nature of incident.
The test, known as the revenue service demonstration or RSD, was occurring across the 19-kilometre east-west line that consists of 25 stops and stations. The revenue service demonstration was scheduled to last 30 days.
“We continue to make progress on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, with revenue service demonstration underway,” Dakota Brasier, spokesperson for Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkari, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Following an incident late last week, RSD has been paused and will resume shortly to continue testing along the line. Safety is at the forefront of everything we do and we continue to work with our partners at the TTC as progress on this critical project progresses.”
The provincial agency originally aimed to start the test in September, but did not meet that target.
The Eglinton Crosstown was initially set to open in 2020. A series of technical problems and associated cost overruns, however, have plagued the project and repeatedly delayed its completion. Construction on the line began in 2011.
The Eglinton Crosstown was initially set to open in 2020. A series of technical problems and associated cost overruns, however, have plagued the project and repeatedly delayed its completion. (Muriel Draaisma/CBC)
TTCriders, a transit advocacy group, expressed outrage at the pause in testing in a news release on Tuesday, saying another delay is frustrating and a “betrayal of public trust.” The group is calling on the provincial government to launch a public inquiry that would look at the causes of delays and cost overruns affecting the line.
“What are they actually doing here?” August Puranauth, campaigns manager at TTCriders, said in the release.
“We need a full public inquiry into what went wrong, an end to the privatization of public transit projects, and real transparency from both Metrolinx and TTC leadership. Riders deserve answers.”
TTCriders said the repeated delays show that the public-private partnership model has failed to deliver. It’s demanding a timeline for completion, full disclosure of all outstanding problems and commitment from the province to have the public sector build transit projects.
“After over a decade of construction, the people who live in the community and will rely on this line deserve honesty, accountability, and a transit system that actually works.”
Test to determine system is safe, Metrolinx says
Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay said at an Aug. 6 news conference that the final test will “demonstrate that the system is safe and reliable when it opens.”
WATCH | Metrolinx began final test on Oct. 7:
Eglinton Crosstown LRT in final service testing phase, Metrolinx says
Metrolinx began a final test of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT this week but has yet to announce an opening date for the much-delayed route.
Lindsay said at the time that if the test is successful, Metrolinx will “declare substantial completion of the project” and work with the Ontario government and the TTC on a “progressive ramp-up of service.”
On its website, Metrolinx says the test demonstrates the “rail service capabilities” of the project.
“TTC, Crosslinx Transit Solutions and Metrolinx will review the performance, identifying all areas of concern and work together to resolve any outstanding issues,” Metrolinx says.
