Lagos Red Line rail operations to Start October 15

Lagos State Government Announces Launch of Red Line Rail Project by October 15

The Lagos State Government has announced that its second rail initiative, the Red Line, is set to commence commercial operations on October 15. This information was shared in a statement by Kolawole Ojelabi, the Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), on the agency’s social media platform on Thursday.

LAMATA’s Managing Director, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, affirmed the news, highlighting that the Red Line’s launch will significantly alleviate traffic congestion in Lagos. According to Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, the Red Line is expected to work alongside the Blue Line to remove between 100,000 and 150,000 commuters from the roads daily.

Mrs. Akinajo noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will inaugurate the passenger operations along with members of his executive council and other esteemed guests, taking a ride with commuters on the inaugural fee-paying train journey.

In preparation for the launch, LAMATA has adjusted the train service schedule, with operations starting daily at 6 a.m. from Agbado station. Previously, trains began their journeys from Oyingbo station at 9 a.m., resulting in the first train arriving at Agbado at approximately 10:07 a.m.

“The revised timetable is designed to facilitate the upcoming commercial operations starting on October 15,” said Akinajo. She explained that the new schedule is based on insights gathered through various test runs, including those involving non-paying passengers.

This new timetable prioritizes trips originating from Agbado, catering primarily to commuters traveling to and from areas like Ikeja, Oshodi, and Lagos Island. Furthermore, for those whose journeys conclude on Lagos Island, shuttle buses will be available at the Oyingbo bus terminal to assist them in completing their travel.

With this development, the Lagos State Government remains committed to improving the city’s transportation network and reducing the burden of traffic on its citizens.