Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that vandalism and disruptions of the newly launched Red Line Rail service will not be tolerated.
He made this statement as he flagged off the commercial operations of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LMRT) Red Line on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
The Red Line, spanning 27 kilometers, is the second rail system to become operational in Lagos within two years.
The governor emphasized that the new rail service is an essential part of Lagos State’s plan to improve transportation and ease traffic congestion in the city.
“We are on a mission to keep Lagos moving,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“This Red Line is a key part of our vision to create a seamlessly connected city. It belongs to all of us, and it is our responsibility to protect it.”
He called on residents to treat the project with respect and warned that any acts of vandalism or attempts to disrupt the rail service would be met with the full weight of the law.
The Red Line is a significant milestone in the state’s ambitious plan to develop a world-class public transportation system.
The 27-kilometer rail route runs from Agbado, a bustling community at the border of Ogun State, to Oyingbo on Lagos Mainland, with stops at key stations including Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, and Iju.
The project, which is expected to transport up to 500,000 passengers daily, is part of Lagos State’s broader efforts to provide a sustainable and efficient means of commuting for its rapidly growing population.
Sanwo-Olu described the Red Line as a “game-changer” for Lagos, stating that it will ease the notorious traffic jams that plague the city’s roads.
With the train service now operational, residents of Lagos will have access to an affordable and reliable alternative to road transport.
“This project represents a significant step towards addressing the transportation challenges in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“We are committed to providing a functional, safe, and accessible public transport system that can meet the needs of our people.”
The Red Line Rail, which was initially inaugurated on February 29 by President Bola Tinubu, has been eagerly awaited by Lagosians who are fed up with daily traffic chaos.
Operated by LAMATA, the service will run twice during peak periods, with trains departing from Agbado at 6:00 AM and 7:10 AM, reaching Oyingbo by 7:07 AM and 8:27 AM respectively.
In the evening, the train will leave Oyingbo at 6:20 PM and 6:47 PM, reaching Agbado at 7:27 PM and 7:47 PM.
For those commuting from Agbado in the evening, the trains will depart at 6:50 PM and 8:10 PM, arriving at Oyingbo by 7:57 PM and 9:17 PM.
To board the trains, passengers are required to use the Cowry Card, an electronic ticketing system that ensures a smooth boarding process.
The rail service is designed to reduce the long hours Lagosians spend in traffic and provide a safer, faster, and more efficient means of commuting across the state.
While highlighting the benefits of the Red Line, Governor Sanwo-Olu was quick to stress the importance of protecting public infrastructure.
He called on Lagosians to ensure that the new train service is not subjected to the kind of vandalism that has affected other public assets in the past.
“Just like the Blue Line and all other public projects, this Red Line belongs to all of us,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect it and make sure it serves us for many years to come.”
Sanwo-Olu added that his administration would not hesitate to take action against anyone caught damaging or attempting to disrupt the train service.
“We will not tolerate any form of vandalism or disruptions,” the governor warned.
“Anyone caught tampering with this vital infrastructure will be dealt with according to the law. Let us work together to make Lagos a better, safer, and more efficient place to live.”
The Red Line and the Blue Line are both part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) project, which aims to provide a reliable, eco-friendly, and efficient transportation solution for the city’s estimated 21 million residents.
The Red Line Rail, with its capacity to move 500,000 passengers daily, is expected to play a key role in alleviating the pressure on the city’s roads.
