Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed that the Lagos Red Line, which recently started partial, invitational operations, is projected to operate 20 trips daily and transport up to 500,000 passengers each day once fully functional.
The Governor made this announcement on Sunday through a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, marking the commencement of invitational passenger services on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the metro rail, which runs between Oyingbo in Lagos and Agbado in Ogun State, will play a significant role in easing commuting, reducing congestion, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. He described the rail line as a critical infrastructure that connects communities and stimulates economic growth.
“Upon reaching full operational capacity, the Red Line is expected to run 20 trips daily, accommodating over 500,000 passengers each day. This rail line represents more than just transportation; it’s a vital link that binds our communities and fuels economic development,” the statement read.
During the invitational passenger phase, the Red Line will begin its morning departures at 8:30 AM from Oyingbo station, making stops at key stations including Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, and Agege, before arriving at Agbado by 9:37 AM. This journey from Oyingbo to Agbado is expected to take approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes, significantly reducing travel time along the route.
The Red Line is a 37-kilometer rail project, with the first phase covering 27 kilometers from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos.
This phase includes eight strategically located stations: Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.
Construction commenced on April 15, 2021, and the line was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on February 29, 2024.
Following a successful six-week trial run, partial invitational passenger operations began on August 28, 2024, and will continue until September 27, 2024.
The Red Line shares tracks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s Lagos to Ibadan route, under a track-sharing agreement signed during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced the acquisition of trains from the United States, with additional rolling stock sourced from the United Kingdom in 2023 and China earlier this year.
During the invitational period, Lagos residents can register online for a chance to participate in the free rides, offering feedback on the system’s performance, efficiency, and overall user experience. Full passenger operations are anticipated to commence by the last quarter of 2024.
By Samuel Godwin Ogirima.
