February 8 marks a potential milestone for Toronto’s transit system, though the TTC has not confirmed an opening date for the Line 5 Eglinton LRT. Transit specialists and advocates emphasize the need for clear timelines and operational improvements to prevent the delays and disruptions that marked the early days of Line 6 on Finch West.
Line 6 faced criticism for sluggish travel times and frequent mechanical failures, challenges that could impact Line 5 without proactive measures. TTC board chair notes the possibility of unforeseen issues, while the CEO avoids committing to the February date. The TTC, responsible for operations, has not disclosed details on speed enhancements, and Metrolinx, overseeing construction, describes testing as thorough.
Addressing Speed Concerns
Experts stress that competitive speeds are essential to rival car travel and draw passengers. Line 6’s 10.3-kilometer route often exceeds 50 minutes end-to-end, with a 60 km/h limit dropping to 25 km/h at intersections and stops—a setup agreed by TTC, city officials, and Metrolinx.
The TTC has yet to reveal Line 5’s speed limits, stating details will follow an official launch announcement. Transit consultant Reece Martin criticizes low intersection speeds as arbitrary, arguing, “Light-rail vehicles should match car speeds where safe. If cars navigate at 50 km/h, trains should too.”
Beyond limits, other factors influence efficiency on Line 5’s surface sections.
Improving Signal Priority
Line 5’s 9-kilometer above-ground stretch, from east of Laird to Kennedy, risks delays from traffic signals. Line 6 experienced similar problems, with Metrolinx attributing issues to incomplete signal priority implementation by the city.
Signal priority grants LRTs extended green lights over other vehicles. Consultant Jonathan English, co-founder of Infrastory Insights, calls for refined systems, noting, “This technology works globally—Waterloo’s LRT rarely stops at reds.”
City council recently approved aggressive signal priority for Lines 5 and 6 surface routes. TTC spokesperson Stuart Green confirms ongoing collaboration with the city, though timelines remain tied to the opening date. Notably, over half of Line 5’s 19-kilometer length is underground, bypassing surface signal issues.
Securing Switch Reliability
Metrolinx handles switch technology, which directs trains between tracks. Line 6 suffered delays from malfunctioning switches, including ice buildup despite electric heating systems similar to Ottawa’s past troubles.
Line 5 employs a mix of electric and gas heating. Experts prioritize operational timing over method—activating heaters preemptively and deactivating efficiently. English highlights the need for precise control to avoid freezing.
Martin will monitor early operations for switch failures as a warning sign. TTC Riders campaign manager August Puranauth expresses concerns over shared contractors between Lines 5 and 6, urging robust testing. Metrolinx’s Lyndsay Miller affirms that switch heaters have undergone extensive commissioning.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Premier Doug Ford recently dismissed Line 6 concerns, stating initial glitches are inevitable. However, Martin counters that high standards prevail in cities like Seoul, London, and Paris, and Toronto should aim similarly. He adds that Canadian winters demand resilient designs.
Data shows Line 6 logged 350 delays in December alone. Advocates push for transparency and fixes to ensure Line 5 delivers reliable service. An official opening date remains the first step toward these goals.
