FROM THE CEO: Line 5 Eglinton to begin phased start to service

Earlier today at the TTC Board meeting, we announced that Line 5 Eglinton will begin introductory service this Sunday, February 8. This phased start lets customers enjoy the benefits of rapid transit while the TTC and Metrolinx refine operations to ensure consistent, reliable service.

Phased openings for new LRT lines were a key recommendation in the 2022 final report of the public inquiry into the Ottawa LRT launch. They allow us to monitor performance, roll out upgrades, and gradually and safely ramp up to full service within months.

Introductory service details
​• Line 5 trains will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mon-Sat, and from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays, arriving approximately every four minutes during the busiest periods, and every six to eight minutes at other times.

• From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Line 5 shuttle buses will operate every 10 minutes, serving on‑street LRT stops along the Eglinton corridor.

• The TTC’s Blue Night Network will operate from 1 a.m. until the start of scheduled train service.

• In the event of service disruptions during the introductory period, the TTC will deploy shuttle buses to keep customers moving.

On Sun., Feb. 8, service on Line 5 Eglinton will be free of charge. The first westbound trains will depart Kennedy Station starting at 7:30 a.m., and the first eastbound services from Mount Dennis Station will start at 7:37 a.m. While there will not be a grand opening event on Sunday, a public celebration will be planned when the line transitions to full service hours.

Future service details
​The TTC will announce the start of full service once all partners are confident in the line’s performance, and a celebratory event will be held at that time. When full service begins, trains are expected to run from the start of scheduled service to 1:30 a.m. daily, with end‑to‑end travel times of approximately 50–55 minutes. A comparable bus trip can take up to 105 minutes.

Line 5 operation
​Line 5 Eglinton includes 25 stations and stops between Mount Dennis (Weston Road) and Kennedy Station. It will connect with Lines 1 and 2, multiple TTC bus routes, and two GO Transit lines.

Under agreements with Metrolinx and the City of Toronto, the TTC is responsible for operating trains, providing security and revenue control, and staffing stations to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. The line’s infrastructure and vehicles are maintained by Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) under contract to Metrolinx.

Thank you to all who have worked so hard to help us reach this milestone.

Mandeep S. Lali
​Chief Executive Officer
​February 3, 2026