Toronto went from hating the Crosstown LRT to loving the Line 5 Eglinton overnight

After an agonizing 15-year wait, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally opened on Sunday, Feb. 8, and many Toronto residents were surprised — not by the chaos but by the unexpectedly competent service.

We all remember how the Finch West LRT opening went. Within minutes of its Dec. opening, Line 6 was plagued with unexpected delays and painfully slow speeds, which unleashed a flurry of negative social media reactions. So, safe to say, commuters were wary about the new Line 5.

But, aside from some minor delays and hiccups, almost everything went off without a hitch this time around.

The new 19-kilometre line with 25 stops between Kennedy and Mount Dennis had many Toronto residents giddy with excitement – a rare emotional response regarding public transit.

One rider marvelled at the Eglinton LRT's impressive speed, even calling it a "game changer."

For Toronto followers: I just got from Nathan Phillips Square to Eglinton and Laird in 38 min on the TTC.

It took 15 years to build, but the Crosstown is going to be a game changer*. I suspect I can get to BMO about 30-40 min faster now.

*if you live near the underground part

— Duane Rollins (@24thminute) February 8, 2026

"Better than expected, it was pretty good and smooth," another rider posted on X.

My dad and I rode the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which officially opened today! Better than expected it was pretty good and smooth #Line5 #EglintonCrosstown #TTC #Metrolinx

— Parwez Shaikh 🇮🇳🇨🇦 ⁶𓅓 🚗🧩 #SaveIndianMuslims (@P_Shaikh95) February 8, 2026

"Train operations feel much peppier than Finch," a Toronto resident posted on X. After riding the Eglinton LRT in its entirety twice, he considers it "fast and reliable" and a "good addition to Toronto's transit network."

After riding Line 5 Eglinton in its entirety twice, I’ll confidently say it’s a good addition to Toronto’s transit network. The underground section (60%ish) of the route is essentially a subway: fast and reliable. Surface section is fast when you don’t hit lights (TSP is coming). pic.twitter.com/lnzYLHg9IY

— Alex Glista 🇨🇦 (@AlexanderGlista) February 8, 2026

A Reddit user commented on the overall positive vibes felt on opening day, saying, "I only went from Fairbank to Eglinton and back, but the vibes were great. Just smiles and cameras, even though it was jam packed."

blogTO was there on opening day to mark the significant milestone and to show just how bright and beautiful the new stations are.

@blogto Mount Dennis station is so pretty!😍 #ttc #eglintonlrt #toronto #fyp 📸 @Briana ♬ Watchin - Nicholas Creus

"I had fun riding line five today!" one user commented on our TikTok video.

Cedarvale Station (formerly Eglinton West) appeared spacious, while some users left comments hoping for some benches and food kiosks to fill the empty space. 
 

@blogto Who else can’t believe the Eglinton LRT is finally open!?🤯🚊 #ttc #eglintonlrt #toronto #torontolife #nbto25 📸 : @Anton | Videographer ♬ tired - Official Sound Studio

In stations like Cedarvale with Line 1 connections, the Line 5 areas of stations are noticeably fresher looking. "Insane contrast! But OG Eglinton West is almost 50 years old. No idea if it's been renovated since then," wrote one user.

@blogto Line 5 is looking SO crisp!😍 #ttc #eglintonlrt #toronto #fyp 📸 @Briana ♬ Curse Me Good - The Heavy

It may be too soon to call, but judging by these positive comments, it seems the long wait may have actually paid off.