“It’s getting ridiculous”: MPP Begum continues call for Eglinton-Crosstown LRT opening date

QUEEN’S PARK — Despite continued allusions by the Ford government that the opening of the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT is near, there has still been no concrete opening date announced by the Conservatives.

Shadow Minister for Public Transit Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest) questioned the government at Queen’s Park today, demanding clarity for the Ontarians that continue to wait for word.

“After 15 years of countless delays, cost overruns, and opaque bureaucracy, the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT is yet to have an opening date," said Begum.

“Someone even hired a mariachi band to celebrate its ‘quinceanera’. It’s getting ridiculous.”

The Conservatives have said that the LRT is set to complete its revenue service demonstration today but have yet to give a clear roadmap to its opening.

“Last week, the Premier said, ‘get the damn thing moving’, and that he would find out the opening date. How is it possible that no one in this government can give the public a straight answer? Will the LRT open this year, or will the government give the people an actual date?”

The Ontario NDP continues to demand transparency from the government, and a full inquiry into Metrolinx.