PHOTOS: Sanwo-Olu leads inaugural ride as Lagos Red Line begins operations

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially flagged off commercial operations of the Lagos Red Line rail with an inaugural trip from Oyingbo Station to Agbado, a key suburban area on the Lagos boundary.

The historic ride, which took place at exactly 5.20 pm on Tuesday, comes seven months after the completion and commissioning of the rail infrastructure.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the governor would unveil the LMRT Red Line for commercial operations.

Speaking on the project, the governor said this is the second rail system to become operational in less than two years in the state.

PUNCH Online reports that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line System earlier began its long-awaited commercial operations in September 2023.

According to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, the 37-kilometre Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado.

A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communication, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, and posted on the agency’s X handle last Thursday stated that the operations will begin October 15.

The LAMATA boss further said the train services would commence daily from Agbado at 6 am.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu, who arrived at Oyingbo Station at 5pm, was met with jubilant crowds, including state officials, lawmakers, corporate executives, journalists, and members of the public who were invited to join the maiden journey.

The governor personally made the boarding announcement, kicking off the service that promises to be a game-changer for public transportation in Lagos.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sanwo-Olu disclosed, “The State is expecting additional rolling stocks for the Red Line next year.

“This will enhance the rapidity of the train service and improve overall efficiency.”

The first stop, four minutes after departure, was Yaba Station, where several passengers alighted to connect to Last Mile services for their final destinations.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu also disclosed this in a late Tuesday night post on his official X account.

According to the post, the train then continued its route, making stops at Mushin, Oshodi, and finally, Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu disembarked with his entourage.

The journey from Oyingbo to Ikeja took just 34 minutes, a significant reduction in commuting time for Lagos residents.

Speaking to reporters at the Ikeja Station, Sanwo-Olu praised the ride as “smooth and outstanding,” highlighting the potential of the Red Line to transform public transportation in Lagos.

“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 traversing the city. From here in Ikeja, the train proceeds to Agege before finally halting in Agbado,” the governor said.

He further added, “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.”