By Chinasaokwu Helen okoro
The Lagos Mass Transit Red Line Rail will begin partial operations today (Wednesday).
This was announced by the spokesperson for the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, in a Tuesday statement.
The trains will convey passengers freely and run four trips a day between Oyingbo and Agbado.
The Red Line, according to LAMATA, is one of the six rail lines and one monorail prescribed for Lagos in her Strategic Transport Master Plan.
It is also a transport project connecting Lagos with Ogun State as many workers and business owners in Lagos reside in Ogun.Ojelabi said the milestone marked the culmination of planning and training of technical and ground staff; installation of all the security features, and a successful six-week trial run conducted without passengers to ensure the system’s safety, reliability, and efficiency.
“From Wednesday, August 28, the Red Line system will interact with non-fee-paying passengers in organised groups to collect feedback before the commencement of commercial operations.
The partial operations, similar to what was done during the test phase of the Blue Line, is a major step forward in realising the Lagos State Government’s vision of a modern, efficient, integrated and sustainable transportation system.
“The Red Line’s first phase, a 27-kilometre rail road from Agbado to Oyingbo, will provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for commuters, reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for Lagos residents,” Ojelabi said.