At precisely 5:20 PM on Tuesday, the Lagos Red Line rail departed from Platform 2 at Oyingbo Station, marking the commencement of its commercial operations.
This inaugural ride comes seven months after the completion and commissioning of the rail infrastructure, showcasing a significant advancement in the state’s public transportation system.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu arrived at the station at 5:00 PM, greeted by jubilant members of the public invited to partake in the historic ride.
Accompanied by state cabinet members, lawmakers, corporate executives, journalists, and other citizens, the Governor made the boarding announcement, officially launching the service.
The train journey began smoothly, reaching Yaba Station just four minutes later, where some passengers disembarked to connect to the Last Mile transport service.
The train then made stops at Mushin, Oshodi, and Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu and his entourage disembarked after a total travel time of 34 minutes from Oyingbo.
Speaking to reporters at Ikeja Station, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the experience as “smooth and outstanding,” emphasizing the service’s potential to significantly reduce commuting times.
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“This is an experience that we believe will not only help in solving issues around public transportation in Lagos, but will also improve connectivity and reduce journey times for commuters traversing the city,” he stated.
He added that the train would continue to Agege before reaching its final destination in Agbado.
“From this evening, there will be regular scheduled train services from Agbado to Oyingbo and back,” he announced.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also mentioned that the state is expecting additional rolling stock for the Red Line next year, which will further enhance the efficiency and speed of the train service.