Exploring the Lagos Red Line
The Lagos State Integrated Transportation system received a boost with the recent commissioning of the Lagos Red Line, a year after the blue line was commissioned, Daily Trust Saturday reports.
“Today is evidence that it is good to dream and it is a serious validation of democracy by the people and for the people. When you put people at the centre and focus of your vision and planning, you would realise the value of a dream.
“25 years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state, the smallest in land mass, when all that existed here was suppressed and aborted potential and when the dream begins, my team and I toiled day and night to craft and implement a developmental vision that will transform Lagos into the economic power house of Africa and a respected mega city on a global stage. We are releasing that dream.”
For the Federal Ministry of Transportation, there is the need for other states to collaborate and partner with the federal government to fast-track the development of their transportation infrastructure.
According to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, the project, borne out of the dedicated and collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation, “reflects our commitment to transforming the landscape of transportation in our great country.”
He said, “I sincerely commend the giant efforts of Lagos State Government for making this historic project a reality. This railway infrastructure stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when federal and sub-national governments unite in a shared vision for progress. It also demonstrates sincere commitment to providing efficient and modern transportation solutions for our citizens.”
While LAMATA has not come out with the fares for the route, our correspondent reports that any holder of the cowry card can use it on all the state’s run transportation systems including ferry services.
According to the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the train service would reduce travel time from Agbado to Oyingbo from two and half hours to 35 minutes while reducing pressure on the road.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, described the project as peoplecentric, saying Lagos is fast becoming a flagship state in railway development. He also commended the CCECC’s efforts at contributing to the infrastructural development of the state.
Residents around the corridor who spoke with our correspondent welcomed the new train service, which they said would make transportation easier. “I have no reason to go through the expressway to connect Oshodi or Lagos Island with this train movement. I will prefer to use this train always and I hope the fare would be friendly as well,” said a resident of Agbado, Mr. Kalejaiye.
With new train stations built for the project existing side by side with the LagosIbadan Train Service, stakeholders said there is the need for adequate maintenance of the facilities.
Director of Rail, LAMATA, Mr Ola Okusaga, said the red line is not electric unlike the blue because “We are sharing tracks with FG which is not an electric track, and we cannot just start electric.”
“FG has future plans to also go electric and there are future plans from the state side too,” he added in a chat with our correspondent.
For the payment option, he said, “We are still using the same Cowry card payment system also for the Red Line Rail, you can buy your card and top up at the Train Station or BRT Terminal/Stations.”