Lagos residents are eagerly anticipating the commencement of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line, which promises to alleviate commuting stress. The Red Line, spanning 37 kilometers from Agbado to Oyingbo, aims to reduce traffic congestion and slash travel times from over two hours by road to just 67 minutes by rail.
The project, which is set to begin full operations by the last quarter of the year, will transport an estimated 500,000 passengers daily, generating over N200 million monthly in revenue. The train service also creates jobs, with approximately 320 Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) staff employed at eight terminals, alongside security and support workers.
The Red Line test run, which began on September 13, 2024, has generated excitement among Lagosians. Passengers were initially required to preregister, but the service was later opened to the public to gather real-time feedback. Passengers enjoy features such as priority seating for the disabled and pregnant, as well as toilets in each of the six cars, services not available on the Blue Line.
While both the Red and Blue Lines offer WiFi and use the Lagos State-approved Cowry Card for payments, only the Blue Line provides audiovisual entertainment through RailTV. Nevertheless, the Red Line is viewed as a transformative project that will significantly impact commuting in Lagos, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to the city’s development.
