TTC versus Metrolinx: can the Eglinton Crosstown be finished by 2020?

The ongoing power struggle between the TTC and Metrolinx is ramping up over the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Backed up by a panel assembled by the American Public Transportation Association, the TTC says Metrolinx and provincial procurement agency Infrastructure Ontario won’t be able to deliver the Eglinton line by 2020 without huge headaches for residents (think 12 underground stations being dug out at once). TTC staff suggest that a 2022 or 2023 finish date would be more realistic—and that IO lacks transit-building experience. Given that IO is responsible for finding a private partner to design, finance, build and maintain the network while the TTC will simply operate it, it sounds like the latter is still bitter that it’s not the lead agency for the project. However, TTC chair Karen Stintz says the commission has accepted the loss of control and simply wants more information about how the province will deliver on the ambitious timeline. Still, we imagine the fact that Rob Ford remains enthusiastic about IO’s leadership on the project won’t help Stintz and the mayor improve their relationship. [Globe and Mail]