While the public is still in the dark about when the heck the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will finally make its long-awaited debut, there are some pretty exciting details that Metrolinx has shared lately to assure us all that the wait hasn't been for naught.

At a Friday morning media briefing leading up to the seemingly cursed project's launch, the regional transit authority provided a tour of the new five-level Eglinton Station, where Line 5 trains are already plying the tracks in test mode.

Even though the hub and others on the 19 km-long route have yet to see anyone but workers, media and other stakeholders — and likely won't until after spring 2024 — they have some pretty cool tech in place that will set them apart from other TTC stops when they do open.

Metrolinx skirts questions about Eglinton LRT opening but hints it could be after spring👀 https://t.co/k99mph5iV0 #EglintonLRT #Metrolinx #TTC #EglintonCrosstown #Toronto

— blogTO (@blogTO) December 8, 2023

Guideway Intrusion Detection Systems

Any number of incidents of someone at track level is too many, which is why the Crosstown's stations will all come with platforms that can sense if someone is too close to the edge.

If a person does stray too far into the yellow zone, laser detectors will automatically trigger a safety announcement and even halt the train if needed — something that would have proven helpful during the terrifying near-misses, instances of subway pushing and more in recent memory.

The new 5-level Eglinton LRT Station has a whopping 110 cameras for safety and security. Photo by Anton Wong.

Better camera coverage

The TTC is in the process of improving many aspects of its existing stops, including CCTV coverage and other security features. While other TTC stations had only 40 per cent camera coverage as recently as last year, the LRT's Eglinton Station has a whopping 110 CCTV cameras.

New fan tech will help isolate station fires if they occur. Photo by Anton Wong.

Fire control

Eglinton Station is one of the LRT stops with a state-of-the-art exhaust system that can isolate fire incidents without having to shut down unaffected portions of the line and disrupt service.

All underground stations on the Crosstown have tunnel ventilation with fan rooms to help direct air and potentially smoke to different areas, or shut it off completely in sections if necessary.

Below grade but not fully underground stations, meanwhile, have special portals so they use jet fans in case of an emergency.

This is just part of what Metrolinx calls "a complex integration of old and new systems that were upgraded and modernized" along the line.

Portions of the LRT tracks at ground level east of Brentcliffe Road will have grass and additional foliage to serve various purposes. Photo from Metrolinx.

Green tracks

Above ground, segments of the line will be looking far greener than residents may be used to seeing, with grassy areas running between the tracks to introduce a bit of nature and aesthetic benefit.

These green transitways will also serve multiple environmental functions, from absorbing rain runoff and lowering temperatures during the warmer months to cutting down dust and sound from the line's daily operations.

Metrolinx Crosstown LRT opening announcement leaves Toronto still knowing nothing 🚄 https://t.co/P3utnuGG6l #Toronto #Metrolinx #Announcement #CrosstownLRT

— blogTO (@blogTO) November 30, 2023

Automatic Train Control

Given that we already have ATC on TTC's Line 1 subway, it's a feature that is less-so fancy and cutting-edge, and moreso just an expectation. Still, it will mean more frequent, safer and faster trains.

Now, if the damned thing could just open already...