Toronto city officials are refocusing on the Eglinton East Light Rail (LRT) project as part of plans to address inadequate public transit service in eastern Scarborough following the retirement of Line 3 (Scarborough RT). Originally a key part of the Transit City vision, the project, which was delayed for years due to differing priorities, is now being revived to address long-standing transportation inequalities in the area and significantly improve mobility for thousands of residents.
New Line from Kennedy Station to Malvern
The proposed 15-kilometre Eglinton East LRT line would start at Kennedy Station, the existing transit hub. From there, it would run along Eglinton Avenue East, then follow Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue, ending in Malvern Town Centre. Key stops planned for the project include the University of Scarborough (UTSC), Markham Road and Sheppard Avenue. The route is expected to significantly improve access to the city centre and other key destinations for students, workers and families in areas previously excluded from Toronto’s rapid transit network. It would also provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to private cars on one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors.
Transportation Advocates Call for Extension: Toronto Zoo and Beyond
While the renewed momentum of the project is welcome, transportation advocates and city planners are calling for the line to be extended beyond Malvern, particularly to the popular tourist attraction of the Toronto Zoo. Some proposals even include extending the line further into Pickering in the future, serving more residents and facilitating intra-regional travel throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These visionary approaches reflect the urgent need for integrated, cross-border public transportation systems that reduce private car use and strengthen regional economic connections.
Why Eglinton East LRT Is Critical to Equality
The Eglinton East LRT project is more than just a transportation improvement; it is also a tangible demonstration of the City of Toronto’s commitment to social and economic equality. Reconnecting the eastern Scarborough communities, which have suffered from years of inadequate public transportation, to the city centre and beyond, the line will improve access to education for students at UTSC and integrate with existing GO Transit train lines, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus routes and future subway lines.
While no firm date has yet been set for when construction will begin, planning and environmental impact assessments are actively underway. City of Toronto officials are working to develop various financing strategies to bring this important project to life. Once completed, the Eglinton East LRT will be one of Toronto’s longest light rail lines and will be a significant step toward a more inclusive and accessible public transit future for the city.
