President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the Lagos Red Line rail, to the excitement of many who see the new rail service as succour to Lagos’ seeming intractable traffic issues.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the Red Line will initially serve up to 500,000 Lagosians daily, with plans to increase this number to 750,000, complementing the Blue Line and easing commute.
The Blue Line Rail, another integral segment of the project, successfully commenced commercial operations on Monday, September 4, 2023, covering the route from Marina to Mile 2.
The RedLine Rail, a pivotal part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, is set to debut as the fastest train in Africa, boasting an impressive speed of 330 km/h.
Here are ten things to know about the newly commissioned Red Line project project:
- The Red Line project is a significant investment in Lagos’ urban transportation. Initially estimated at $135 million, it falls under the Greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project. The project is managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
- The Red Line spans eight stations from Agbado through Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Yaba, ultimately terminating at Oyingbo.
- The Red Line will use a diesel-powered system called Diesel Multiple Unit. This system employs on-board diesel engines to propel multiple-unit trains.
- The initial phase of the LRMT project aims to enable 37 daily trips, catering to over 500,000 passengers daily.
- The rail covers a distance of 37 kilometers.
- The Red Line project’s goal is to ease traffic congestion, reduce road accidents, and enhance commuter safety in Lagos.
- Ten vehicular overpasses and pedestrian bridges have been built, separating train traffic from vehicular and pedestrian flows. This ensures the smooth operation of the rail line and enhances safety for commuters.
- The Red Line project was completed in 30 months.
- The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project is led by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, operating under the state’s Ministry of Transportation.
- The Cowry card system will be used as a payment method for the Red Line Rail.