…..inaugural trip kicks off Lagos Red Line’s commercial operations
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has assured that his administration is on a mission to keep the state moving as part of the vision to make residents work and conduct business at ease while inaugurating the Lagos Red Line’s commercial operations.
In his statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “Today marks the launch of commercial operations of the LMRT Red Line, kicking off passenger services from Agbado to Oyingbo.
We’re on a mission to keep Lagos moving, and the Red Line is a key part of our vision to create a seamlessly connected city. It is also our second rail system to become operational in less than two years.
Spanning 27 kilometers, the Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado. The train service is projected to move about 500,000 Lagosians daily as we ramp up the schedule and provide a viable means of commuting.
Daily passenger services will depart from Agbado at 600 am with the second train leaving Iju Station at 730am
Make sure you have your Cowry Card ready to board.
Just as with the Blue Line and any other public infrastructure, remember that this project belongs to all of us. Let’s treat it with the respect it deserves. Vandalism or disruptions will not be tolerated—together, we can ensure that our trains remain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
At exactly 5:20pm on Tuesday, Lagos Red Line rail departed at Platform 2 in Oyingbo Station for Agbado — a suburb at Lagos boundary line. The inaugural ride kicked off the train’s commercial operations, seven months after the rail infrastructure was completed and commissioned.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu arrived at the Station at 5:00pm amid jubilation by members of the public, invited to take the ride. Also joining the Governor in the ride were members of the State cabinet, lawmakers, corporate executives, journalists and the public.
The Governor personally made the boarding announcement, after which the train service commenced. Four minutes later, the train arrived at Yaba Station, with some passengers disembarking to connect the Last Mile transport service to their destinations.
The train stopped at Mushin, before heading to Oshodi and Ikeja where Sanwo-Olu alongside his entourage disembarked. The journey took 34 minutes from Oyingbo to Ikeja.
Addressing reporters at the Ikeja Station, Sanwo-Olu described his experience as “smooth and outstanding”, noting that the service reduced the commuting time significantly.
He said: “This is an experience that we believe will not only help in solving issues around public transportation in Lagos, but will also improve connectivity and reduce the journey time for commuters in traversing the city. From here in Ikeja, the train proceeds to Agege before finally halting in Agbado.
“The general public can now feel what we have done in mass transportation. We have fulfilled our promises, especially on the Red Line, just as we did on the Blue Line. From this evening, there will be regular scheduled train services from Agbado to Oyingbo and back.”
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State was expecting additional rolling stocks for the Red Line next year. This, he said, will enhance the rapidity of the train service.
