Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, led other members of Lagos State Executive Council on the maiden ride trip on the state’s Red Line Rail.
The train kicked off from its Oyingbo Station at 5.20 p.m. and arrived at Agbado Station at 6.25 p.m.
The rail line was inaugurated on Feb. 29 by President Bola Tinubu.
Sanwo was accompanied on the train ride by Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA); the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi; and Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, President of Nigeria Society of Engineers, among other personalities.
The governor, who declared himself the operation officer of the day, expressed delight at it.
“It is exciting and very smooth. Instead of spending long hours in traffic, within minutes, you arrive at your destination.
“Time is an element that we cannot afford to lose track of because of its importance,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also said the Red Line Rail would create employment opportunities for residents of the state.
The governor, who moved round the coaches with other officials, re-stated his administration’s commitment to making life easier in line with its THEMES Plus Agenda.
The passengers on board the train, which included journalists, expressed delight at the trip, describing it as fascinating.
One of the passengers, Mrs. Aderonke Gold, said that the introduction of the rail line would bring more comfort to commuters.
“I love the comfort and the fact that it will save time, I commend the effort of the government,” she said.
The President of Nigeria Society of Engineering, Oguntala, disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration should be emulated.
“The standard is top-notch.
“We are proud of this great achievement, our dear governor deserves our support and encouragement,” she said.
The train’s commercial operation is from Agbado, a border community in Ogun, to Oyingbo on Lagos Mainland.
The 27km Oyingbo-Agbado rail line is the first phase of the 37km Red Line Rail expected to stop at Marina.
LAMATA had in a statement via its official X account said that the Nigeria Rail Commission granted a three-year operational licence to Lagos State’s Blue Rail Line and a six-month temporary licence to the Red Line.
According to the schedule, the train will operate twice at peak periods – morning and evening.
By Aderonke Ojediran and Chiazo Ogbolu
