By ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a significant enhancement to the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize urban mobility. Effective from tomorrow, the Red Line will expand its service schedule, now offering five morning trips and four evening trips daily, an increase from the previous two morning trips. This step is aimed at improving the daily commute for residents traveling along the high-demand route from Agbado to Oyingbo.
This upgrade promises to ease the stress of navigating the city’s notorious traffic jams by reducing overall travel times. With a journey time of just 50 minutes between Agbado and Oyingbo, commuters will benefit from the convenience of waiting times as brief as two minutes at each station. The increased frequency of train services is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of the Red Line, positioning it as a crucial part of Lagos’ integrated transport network.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of this expansion in his announcement, stating, “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to improving mobility across Lagos. The arrival of three new train sets will further boost the Red Line’s capacity, reinforcing its role as a vital part of our integrated transport system.”
He further underscored the broader impact of the Red Line, describing it as more than just a mode of transportation, but a catalyst for economic transformation. “The Red Line isn’t just a train service—it’s a game-changer for commuting in Lagos. We are building a city where connectivity drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for all residents. This is Lagos, and we keep moving,” the Governor concluded, aligning his statement with his vision for a sustainable and vibrant urban future.
However, despite the positive rhetoric, public feedback on the Red Line expansion has been a mixed bag, with some residents celebrating the initiative while others raised serious concerns about the affordability and accessibility of the service. These reactions highlight the complexities of implementing public transport projects in a city as large and diverse as Lagos.
On social media, Lagosians shared their thoughts on the new service. Some were enthusiastic about the project, while others questioned its relevance and sustainability in the face of economic challenges.
Joni Akpederi, a commuter on Facebook, expressed frustration with the fare structure, which she believes is prohibitive for the average Lagosian. “I still don’t know what good the train service is doing. The trains are too few, and evidently, from comments in this post, too expensive for the so-called common commuter. At N1000 one way, a commuter needs N2000 a day for the Agege-Oyingbo route, which adds up to N44,000 in a month. For someone earning the minimum wage of N70,000, that’s simply unaffordable,” Akpederi said. Her comment highlights the stark reality that while the service may be a step forward in terms of infrastructure, it may alienate a significant portion of the city’s low-income workers.
In contrast, Peter Unuigboje viewed the project as a transformative step for Lagos, stating, “A different level of thinking was required to not just solve a problem but create multiple values & economic wealth for the people residing and transiting through Lagos. This is a game changer.” Unuigboje’s optimistic perspective reflects the hope that, despite initial challenges, the project could ultimately benefit both the economy and the everyday lives of commuters in the long run.
Yet, there were additional calls for the service to be extended to more areas of Lagos. Justin-Tall Miyin Unuke, another commenter, urged the government to consider extending the rail line to other underserved parts of the city, stating, “Please, Sir, extend it to the Ajah axis of Lagos. It is a very good transport system that should spread around the city and not just CMS to Mile 2.” This call reflects a common desire for equitable infrastructure development that can serve all areas of the city, not just the most central and populated zones.
One of the more critical voices was that of Olaiya Adeshola, who questioned the pricing structure and urged a revision of fares. “Good move, Sir, but I think the fare has to be reviewed. It’s too high considering the capacity of average commuters on that axis. My area, close to the Yaba railway line, has poor patronage because of the high fares,” Adeshola remarked. This comment points to a potential issue with the current pricing, as high fares could limit the number of people who can afford to use the service, undermining its effectiveness.
Abimbola Fashina shared a similar sentiment, echoing concerns about the affordability of the service for residents. “It would be nice to look into affordable fares based on the minimum wage of the citizens of the state. God bless Lagos and the people,” Fashina added. Many commenters, including Fashina, seem to suggest that the state government should reassess the fare structure to ensure that it caters to the needs of all residents, especially those in the low-income bracket.
In a more detailed critique, Abimbola Kafilah Yusuf called for a comprehensive and measurable approach to the ongoing development of Lagos’ rail system. “While the initiative is commendable, it is important to have a holistic and measurable plan for the rail transit system in Lagos. Has there been an increase in the number of coaches? Has the travel time been shortened? Are there more scheduled trips?” Yusuf asked. She also raised concerns about safety, recounting an incident in which she was almost unaware of an approaching train due to a lack of proper signage and traffic control near the tracks. Yusuf’s remarks underscore the need for continuous improvement not just in infrastructure, but also in safety and operational measures to ensure the success of the rail system.
In contrast to these concerns, some residents took to social media to express their appreciation for the governor’s leadership. Saviour Udoh offered praise for the Red Line project, noting, “Well done, Sir. This is commendable.” Meanwhile, Dovinon Whenayon Zachariah took the opportunity to highlight other areas in Lagos that require attention, specifically Badagry. “Badagry West LCDA has been in total darkness for the past four years. We need your intervention,” Zachariah said. His plea for greater focus on the development of more areas in Lagos reflects the frustrations of those living in regions that feel neglected when it comes to infrastructure investments.
As the conversation around the Red Line continues, Governor Sanwo-Olu remains committed to the long-term vision of transforming Lagos into a world-class city with a robust and sustainable public transport system. The ongoing feedback will undoubtedly play a role in shaping future decisions regarding both pricing and service expansion.
With the expansion of the Red Line Rail Service, Lagos is on track to modernize its public transport system, making it a vital component of the city’s growth and development. However, as highlighted by the public responses, a balance must be struck between accessibility, affordability, and the continued push for urban mobility improvements.
For more updates on the developments in Lagos’ transport infrastructure, stay tuned.
Written by ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
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