Jubilation as Lagos Gov Sanwo-Olu launches Red Rail Line operations

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday flagged off the commercial operations of the long-awaited Red Rail Line, which will run from Oyingbo to Agbado, a border community with Ogun State.

The newly inaugurated line is expected to carry 500,000 passengers daily, offering a reliable and efficient transport solution for Lagosians.

Governor Sanwo-Olu led the inaugural ride, which commenced at 5:20 pm, and highlighted that the entire journey would take approximately one hour and seven minutes. The train will make three-minute stops at key stations, including Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, and Iju, before arriving at its final destination, Agbado Station.

During the inaugural ride, the governor emphasized the importance of keeping the train system safe and clean, urging residents to refrain from vandalizing public infrastructure. The governor’s call for civic responsibility aims to ensure that the Red Rail Line serves the public efficiently for years to come.

“The people have the responsibility to keep it safe and clean. The train is for the people so they should avoid vandalising it, ” he said.

The Governor also said the train would provide jobs to thousands of Lagosians.

“Its a mass transportation. We cannot fill up the space inside the train with people because we need to keep the inside as free as possible.

“There will be jobs for people. There are people that will be working to keep the inside clean and doing other things,” he noted.

The Governor also said more new coaches for the blue line and red line will arrive next year.

The train ride will cost N1,500 from Oyingbo to Agbado, Iju to Agege costs N500. Daily operations begin at 06:17am and close by 9:17pm.

Construction of.the redline started in 2021 and was launched by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024.