Premier Doug Ford announced that the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) is projected to open in 2026. This statement comes shortly after the province's transportation minister suggested the line might be ready before the end of this year. "I’ll be safe and say 2026," Ford told reporters during an event for the newly constructed Finch West LRT. He added, "But very soon after 2026." Ford acknowledged the lengthy wait, stating, "There’s always those last little touches. God knows we’ve only waited 15 years for this, so might as well wait until they’re ready." Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also commented on the situation while attending a World Cup draw watch party. She indicated that the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and provincial transit agency Metrolinx are addressing some minor issues with the line. Chow was cautious in her timeline, stating she is waiting for updates on whether these issues can be resolved quickly. "I believe by working together (with Metrolinx) we will be able to sort out these issues and you will get a very clear update by the end of January as to precisely when the Eglinton Crosstown will open," she said. The province confirmed on Friday that the Eglinton Crosstown has been completed and handed over to the TTC, which will set the opening date. The line recently finished its final round of testing. According to a press release, on its opening day, the Crosstown will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with trains running every four minutes and 45 seconds. Service frequency will increase after six months, similar to the Finch West LRT's upcoming soft opening. Construction on the Eglinton Crosstown began in 2011, with an initial opening date set for 2020. However, the project has faced numerous delays due to construction issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various lawsuits. A September opening was previously anticipated, but performance issues with the trains pushed that timeline back. Additionally, a collision between two trains at the Crosstown's yard in October halted testing, which the province attributed to human error. Ford, who has overseen more than seven years of the LRT's construction, expressed frustration in September over the lack of a guaranteed opening date for this year. The 19-kilometer Eglinton Crosstown LRT will feature 25 stops, extending from Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy in the east. It aims to alleviate transit congestion along Eglinton Avenue and provide connections to Line 1. Meanwhile, the Finch West LRT, which also experienced construction delays, is set to open this Sunday. Mayor Chow announced that rides on the new line will be free on its opening day.