Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially launched the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Red Line Rail commercial operations. The first phase of the rail service, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on February 29, began operations on Tuesday, with a historic ride from Agbado, Ogun State, to Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland.
The launch, attended by dignitaries including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, marks a significant step towards improving transportation for Lagos' densely populated areas and enhancing connectivity across the state.
The Red Line, which stretches 27 kilometres from Agbado to Oyingbo, is a cornerstone of Lagos State’s broader strategy to develop a comprehensive and sustainable public transportation network, aimed at addressing the city’s growing population and traffic demands.
It is the second rail system to become operational in Lagos and is designed to move approximately 500,000 passengers daily, which marks a significant milestone in the state’s transport infrastructure.
The red line features eight stations at key locations including Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado, offering residents a seamless connection across these bustling areas.
Operated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for the Lagos State Government, the Red Line Rail is a diesel-propelled locomotive bought by the state government from Talgo Train in Tulsa, United States of America.
According to the schedule, the train runs twice at peak periods- morning and evening, leaving Agbado by 6 am, getting to Iju by 6:07 am, arriving Agege by 6:10 am, Ikeja by 6:29 am, Oshodi by 6:40 am, Mushin by 6:49 am, Yaba by 6:57 am and Oyingbo by 7:07 am.