Toronto is on the Move: What the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, TTC Map Update, and FIFA World Cup Preparations Mean for Midtown Neighbourhoods
- Desmond Breau
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
Toronto is heading into one of the biggest transportation shifts the city has seen in decades. And it will change midtown Toronto in a big way!
After years of delays and disruption, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is finally open, reshaping how people move through one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Alongside this milestone, the TTC has rolled out a major transit map redesign to reflect the new reality.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the city is accelerating road and infrastructure improvements to prepare for a global audience.
Individually, these are major stories. Together, they signal something even bigger: Toronto is entering a new phase of mobility, accessibility, and urban change.
For residents living near Eglinton Avenue, Yonge & Eglinton, and surrounding Midtown neighbourhoods, these changes will have a direct and profoundly positive affect on their daily routines, their commutes, and their quality of life.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT: A Long-Awaited Opening for Midtown Toronto
After nearly 15 years of construction, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally opens today – Sunday, 8 February 2026.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, officially known as Line 5 Eglinton, runs across Midtown Toronto and is designed to dramatically improve east–west travel.
For neighbourhoods along Eglinton Avenue, the new LRT will:
Reduce commute times across Midtown;
Improve connections to subway lines and bus routes;
Ease congestion on surface streets; and
Improve access to local businesses and neighbourhoods long underserved by rapid transit.
For midtown residents and businesses along the Eglinton corridor, the opening represents the end of a long period of construction disruption — and the beginning of faster, more reliable daily commutes.
The TTC Map Gets its Biggest Update in Decades
To accommodate the launch of Line 5 Eglinton, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has introduced a redesigned system map – the most significant update in decades.
This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. The new TTC map:
Integrates the Eglinton Crosstown LRT as a core rapid-transit line;
Makes navigating Midtown Toronto easier for commuters and visitors; and
Reflects a growing network that extends beyond the traditional subway system.
As Midtown becomes more connected, clarity in transit navigation becomes essential — especially for residents adjusting to new routes and stations.
FIFA World Cup 2026 is Accelerating City Improvements
Toronto is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with six matches scheduled to take place in the city. Toronto’s role as a host city has added urgency to long-planned infrastructure projects.
Across the city – including key routes through midtown - improvements are underway to:
Upgrade roads and intersections;
Enhance transit reliability; and
Improve the overall experience for residents and visitors.
Major international events often act as deadlines cities can’t ignore — and in Toronto’s case, the World Cup is helping fast-track long-planned infrastructure improvements that will benefit residents long after the final match.
While the World Cup is temporary, the infrastructure enhancements will be permanent, shaping how Midtown Toronto functions for years to come.
What These Changes Mean for Everyday Life in Midtown Toronto
Together, these developments signal a faster, more connected Midtown.
Shorter, more predictable commutes; and
Increased foot traffic and activity in neighbourhoods.
And living in a faster-moving city increases the value of time.
Transportation improvements are ultimately about time saved — time saved commuting, time reclaimed for personal life, and time spent enjoying the city instead of navigating it.
As Toronto becomes more connected with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, updated TTC map, and improved roads — neighbourhoods become easier to access and enjoy, and residents are able to rethink how they spend their limited free hours.
2026 marks a defining moment in Toronto’s history – a year of transportation shifts that will forever change how Midtown Toronto moves, connects and grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Eglinton Crosstown LRT opening? The Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5 Eglinton) is scheduled to begin operations on Sunday, 8 February 2026.
Which neighbourhoods will benefit most from Line 5 Eglinton? Neighbourhoods along Eglinton Avenue, including Yonge & Eglinton and surrounding Midtown Toronto areas, will see improved transit access and reduced commute times.
Why did the TTC update its transit map? The TTC updated its map to reflect the addition of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and to make navigating Toronto’s expanding transit network easier for riders.
How is the 2026 FIFA World Cup affecting Toronto infrastructure? Toronto is accelerating road, transit, and public-realm improvements to prepare for hosting World Cup matches, with long-term benefits for residents.
A Note from CUSTOM MAIDS TORONTO
(Sponsor of this article)
As Midtown Toronto becomes more connected and daily life continues to move faster, many residents are rethinking how they spend their free time.
Custom Maids House Cleaning Service has been helping Toronto households reclaim their time for nearly five decades. Founded in 1978, Custom Maids is Toronto’s first and original maid service, and we have proudly served thousands of residents across Midtown and surrounding neighbourhoods for generations.
Now well established as Toronto’s leading house cleaning company, Custom Maids remains deeply committed to the city we serve. From long-standing Midtown communities to newer urban neighbourhoods, we continue to provide reliable, professional home cleaning services that help busy households simplify daily life.
As Toronto looks ahead — with improved transit, evolving neighbourhoods, and a faster pace of living — our focus remains the same: helping people enjoy their homes without giving up their time.
If improved Midtown transportation has you rethinking how you spend your free hours, we invite you to learn more about our Residential Cleaning Services.
