By Emmanuel Chidi-Maha
On October 17, I boarded a train from the newly commissioned Red Line station in the Oyingbo area of Lagos at about 5:20 pm. My destination? Agbado, the last stop on the Red Line route. The experience signified a vital moment for Lagosians as the state continues to expand its transportation network, with hopes of easing the traffic congestion. While my trip was smooth, the observations I gathered along the way were quite interesting and painted a mixed picture of this new railway system.
The Red Line station in Oyingbo is strikingly designed, yet it was surprisingly uncrowded for a Thursday evening. Recently commissioned by the state government as part of its initiative to modernise Lagos’ transportation infrastructure, the station exudes a sense of progress. As I settled into my seat on the train, I couldn’t help but appreciate the comfort of the interior—spacious seats, effective air conditioning, and large windows framing delightful views of the city. It stands in stark contrast to the cramped buses that Lagosians have long endured.
However, the train was only about half full, and it was easy to see why—the boarding times were limited. Currently, the Red Line operates during peak hours: at 5:00 am and 5:20 am, then again at 5:00 pm and 6:40 pm. With just two departures in each direction, it’s clear that the schedule may not yet accommodate many commuters. A station staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that these limited boarding times are temporary. “As we attract more customers and adjust to the new system, we’ll expand our schedules. For now, we’re still finding our feet,” they explained.
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The journey from Oyingbo to Agbado took an hour—far quicker than the congestion often faced on the roads. Passengers recognised this advantage, with some hailing the train system as a solution to the city’s traffic woes. I spoke with Madam Ifeoma, a local businesswoman travelling with her young daughter. She was enthusiastic about the service. “This is a real blessing for us in Lagos,” she said, smiling as her daughter gazed out the window. “It takes me hours to drive this distance. With the train, I’m not stuck in traffic. It’s reliable, quick, and much safer.”
Yet, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Umar, a commuter on the Red Line, voiced his frustration with the fare. “1,500 naira is a lot. It’s not overly expensive, but it’s not affordable either, especially for those commuting daily,” he said, shaking his head. Others echoed his concerns about the train station’s location in Oyingbo, noting that it could be somewhat challenging to find.
Despite these few complaints, the quality of the ride was undeniable. The train glided smoothly along the tracks, making several stops, each brief and efficient. At every station, a few passengers disembarked while others boarded, yet the train remained far from full. The staff appeared professional and well-prepared, instilling confidence in the journey. The absence of crowding allowed for social distancing, a welcome feature for health-conscious commuters.
At Agbado, I spent about 15 minutes before catching the return train to Oyingbo. The return journey was equally efficient, and although it was early evening, the atmosphere on the train was calm. A few passengers quietly dozed off, while others listened to music or recorded videos, unfazed by the honking horns of Lagos traffic outside. I even had the chance to chat with some content creators who had boarded specifically to “make some videos for the gram.”
As Lagos continues to grow, its transport needs are becoming increasingly pressing. The Red Line, though still in its early stages, represents a significant leap forward. It’s not perfect yet, but as the city adjusts to this new mode of transport and more trains and routes are introduced, it has the potential to redefine how Lagosians navigate their city. As Madam Ifeoma told me before alighting at her stop, “This is just the beginning. The real transformation of Lagos is yet to come.”