Ford's 'Dickensian season of holiday introspection'

And Crosstown incoming (maybe)

ABOVE THE FOLD

Premier DOUG FORD may be losing his edge in the polls — but first: we may have an opening date for the years-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

ALL ABOARD? — Sources say they’re working with a tentative launch date of January 7 for the long-awaited Crosstown. But take that with a grain of salt: We’ve been here before, where no official body is willing to confirm a timeline. Ford has only said he expects the Crosstown to open sometime in early 2026.

Still, there’s hope — especially after the Premier took part in a ribbon-cutting for the Finch West LRT on Friday, though it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing.

The Crosstown opening, whenever it happens, might not have the same fanfare as the Finch West. Critics have demanded transparency and accountability for construction that has run over-time and over-budget for 15 years, putting a damper on the launch.

POLL WATCH — Meanwhile, after a contentious fall session, Ford appears to be slipping when it comes to public opinion.

The …