Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially flagged off the full commercial operations of the much-anticipated Red Rail Line train service on Tuesday.
The Red Line is expected to transport about 500,000 residents daily, significantly improving mobility across the city.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to protect the infrastructure from vandalism, emphasizing that the project is a public asset that must be preserved for the common good.
The Red Line infrastructure was initially commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on February 29, 2024, after construction began in 2021. Last week, the governor announced the commencement of commercial operations for the rail service.
The first phase of the Red Line covers 27 kilometers, with eight stations located at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado.
A full journey from Oyingbo to Agbado takes about one hour and seven minutes, with each train carrying up to 1,500 passengers. The fare for a trip between Iju and Agege is N500.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who boarded the train at 5:20 PM and alighted at Ikeja by 5:55 PM, highlighted the Red Line’s potential to ease commuting in Lagos.
“Today marks the launch of commercial operations of the LMRT Red Line, commencing passenger services from Agbado to Oyingbo,” he said.
“This is our second rail system to become operational in less than two years, and it plays a crucial role in our vision to create a seamlessly connected city.”
The Red Line will run daily passenger services, with the first train departing from Agbado at 6:00 AM and the second leaving Iju Station at 7:30 AM. S
anwo-Olu encouraged residents to use their Cowry Cards for boarding and reminded them to treat the infrastructure with respect.
“This project belongs to all of us. Let’s ensure we maintain it for future generations,” he added.
The governor also issued a stern warning against vandalism and disruptions to the rail service.
“We must protect this infrastructure to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, shared that the governor and his executive team would lead the inaugural fee-paying passenger trip.
She noted that the daily train services, beginning at 6:00 AM from Agbado, have been adjusted based on data from test runs, catering to commuters traveling to key areas such as Ikeja, Oshodi, and Lagos Island.
For passengers heading to Lagos Island, buses will be available at the Oyingbo bus terminal to help complete their journeys, ensuring a seamless connection across the city’s transport network.
