‘Too expensive’: Lagosians react as LASG releases Red Line rail fares

…Train will improve city connectivity – Sanwo-Olu

Mixed reactions have trailed the commencement of commercial operations of the Lagos Red Line rail.

While many were excited about the rail, projected to transport 500,000 passengers daily, others expressed dissatisfaction with the fares, arguing that they are “too expensive.”

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) began commercial operations for the Red Line rail on Tuesday after six weeks of test run.

Spanning 27 kilometres, the Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado. The Red Line, which is the second metro rail launched in Lagos in less than two years, is expected to ease traffic gridlock along the routes.

According to LAMATA, the first train leaves Agbado by 6:00 am and arrives at its final destination, Oyingbo, by 7:07 am. The trip cost N1,500.

The fares also show that it will cost a passenger N1000 to commute from Agege to Oshodi; N100 from Agege to Mushin; N100 from Agege to Yaba, N1000 from Agege to Oyingbo, while Ikeja to Oshodi, Oshodi to Mushin, and Mushin to Yaba will cost N500 respectively.

However, many Lagosians on social media have reacted to the fares, arguing that it is too expensive and the masses might not be able to afford the train. Some also pointed out that the fares are more expensive than buses plying the same routes.

Read also: 500,000 passengers to be moved daily as Red Line Rail begins operations

“Very expensive pricing. Train services are supposed to be the cheapest compared to bus,” an X user, Toba Popoola, said.

“Too expensive, rather will take a bus that will convey me from Ikeja to Oshodi at a lower rate,” another X user, Gabriel, said.

“This policy is not in tandem with reality. Rail services should take people away from the road, not drive people to the road. The turnover on rail services is realised over time when the people for which it was built have made it their first priority of transport,” Oluwafemi Festus Ariyo, said.

“Agege to Oshodi by bus is N500. The roads are free. Why should I spend N1,000 when I can get to Oshodi for half the fare you are charging? I will suggest you drop the fare to N500,” Gbenga Ogunbewon said.

“These prices are ridiculous. The amount quoted shows that you want to recoup your money in the short run,” said Balogun Daud.

Passengers are expected to make payment with a Cowry Card to board the light train.

Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who launched the Red Line commercial operations, warned residents against vandalism.

At exactly 5:20 pm on Tuesday, the Red Line train departed at Platform 2 in Oyingbo Station for Agbado — a suburb at Lagos boundary line. The inaugural ride kicked off the train’s commercial operations, seven months after the rail infrastructure was completed and commissioned.

Sanwo-Olu arrived at the station at 5:00 pm amid jubilation by members of the public, invited to take the ride. Also joining the governor in the ride were members of the state cabinet, lawmakers, corporate executives, journalists and the public.

Sanwo-Olu personally made the boarding announcement, after which the train service commenced. Four minutes later, the train arrived at Yaba Station, with some passengers disembarking to connect the Last Mile transport service to their destinations.

The train stopped at Mushin, before heading to Oshodi and Ikeja where Sanwo-Olu alongside his entourage disembarked. The journey took 34 minutes from Oyingbo to Ikeja.

Addressing reporters at the Ikeja Station, Sanwo-Olu described his experience as “smooth and outstanding”, noting that the service reduced the commuting time significantly.

“Just as with the Blue Line and any other public infrastructure, remember that this project belongs to all of us, and let us treat it with the respect it deserves.

He added: “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 the journey time for commuters in traversing the city. From here in Ikeja, the train proceeds to Agege before finally halting in Agbado.