Undoubtedly, access to transit is a driving factor for many when considering where to live and work. It’s no surprise that the LRT is coming to Yonge and Eglinton, one of Toronto’s most sought after neighbourhoods. It’s also an area seeing an increase in condominium buildings and townhomes, like our very own E Condos and the upcoming Bartley Towns! Pre-construction works for the project commenced in mid-2011, tunnel boring began in June 2013 on the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) and this officially marks a new era in public transit for Toronto.
Here are some facts about the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (ECLRT):
- $8.4 Billion infrastructure investment
- Because it will connect between 52km of new light rail transit, 54 local bus routes, and 3 TTC interchange subway stations – the Crosstown will cut travel time significantly.
- Will be linked with GO Transit
- The Crosstown will ease traffic and benefit the environment by creating less air pollution
- All Crosstown stations will accept the new PRESTO payment card system.
- It will create thousands of construction jobs and provide lasting economic benefits to Toronto and its surrounding region, including through using many local suppliers and contractors
- Phase 2 of the LRT line will stretch from Jane to Pearson International Airport
- Up to 5,400 passengers are estimated to travel on the line during peak hours by 2031.
- The project forms part of The Big Move, a 25-year regional transportation plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) that will reduce commute times by 77 min per person a day and cut greenhouse gas emissions a passenger by 29%.
Work on the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown LRT began in June 2013 with two tunnel boring machines excavating underneath Eglinton Avenue.
Eglinton & Victoria Park – Fall 2019 Update
Now that the Eglinton LRT is a reality, commercial and residential developers are planning to transform the area between Victoria Park Ave and Pharmacy Ave with a mix of land uses. A recent plan application includes over 5000 residential units, 7000 sq m of office, and 19000 sq m of commercial on the existing Walmart site at 1900 Eglinton Ave. E. This area sits just to the east of the new BAZIS Bartley Towns community.
This plan makes new use of a wide swath of commercial parking, making the area more liveable and walkable for residents.
The goal of expanding the transit system is so that majority of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) population is within 2 km of transit.
What do you think? Is Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit a welcomed-solution to our growing population in Toronto?