It was another historic day for transportation in Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at 5.20 pm on Tuesday signalled the commercial operation of the state’s Red Rail Line.
It took off from Oyingbo to Agbado, with the governor serving as Head Ground Staff.
On board with him were two members of the Executive Council — Commissioners Oluwaseun Osiyemi (Transportation) and Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy)—; lawmakers, including Chairman of Transportation Committee of the House of Assembly Temitope Adewale; Nollywood stars led by the doyen Jide Kosoko.
Other actors were Yomi Fash Lanso, Segun Remi (Kanran), Olu Omolade, and Femi Davies.
There was a motley band of passengers.
As he boarded, the governor raised his cowry card and urged Lagosians to patronise the train to ease their movement.
The governor said the train was another testimony to his transportation agenda.
The Blue Line running between Mile 2 and Marina has been operating since last year, moving not less than two million passengers.
The Red Line runs from Oyingbo to Agbado. It has stations in Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege and Iju.
As the train moved, the governor, as Head of Ground Staff, announced the approach to each station. He urged passengers disembarking to mind the platform. He said the space between the train and the platform was to enhance their safety.
Sanwo-Olu said: “The train is slow and steady and we are happy that all sectors of the society are here with us, including the guild of actors.
“With the commencement of this train service, tomorrow (today) we shall flag off this service in full. LAMATA has released their schedule of the train service.”
He said from Oyingbo to Agbado normally, you will spend about two hours and thirty minutes by road but ‘’on our train, you will spend just about one hour.’’
The governor disembarked at Ikeja along with other officials and drove to his office in Alausa.
The train with other passengers completed the journey at Agbado where a large crowd came out to welcome it.
A trip from Oyingbo to Agbado costs N1,200 while from Oyingbo to Ikeja or Agege is N500.
Adewale lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to providing good alternative modes of transportation to the people.
Actor Jide Kosoko described the red line as another legacy of the governor. He said the train should rather be called Sanwo Train. For him, the train is very comfortable and convenient.
Fash Lanso said the train is another testimony that Lagos is moving in the right direction.
He said the train service will ensure that people living in the Agbado area are better served.
To him the train alternative is good because there is no traffic congestion, no traffic lights or impediments.
