In a pivotal move to assess the readiness of the Redline Rail project for passenger operations, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, spearheaded a crucial test ride today. Accompanied by key officials from the Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner embarked on a non-fee paying journey along the Redline Rail, marking a significant advancement in the ongoing trial phase.
The test ride, conducted on the route between Ikeja and Agbado, represents a major milestone in the Redline Rail’s testing process. For the past six weeks, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has been rigorously conducting test runs without passengers, achieving an impressive 90 percent success rate. This current phase, which introduces non-fee paying passengers, is designed to closely monitor passenger behavior and gather critical insights that will enable LAMATA to refine the rail system’s operations ahead of its official launch.
The Commissioner and his entourage commenced the journey at the Ikeja Train Station at approximately 1:19 PM. The train made scheduled stops at Agege and Iju stations before arriving at the Agbado Train Station at 1:47 PM. The return leg of the journey began at 2:50 PM from Agbado, with the train completing its round trip by arriving back at Ikeja at 3:19 PM.
Joining the Commissioner on this important exercise were several high-ranking officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa; the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Toyin Aremu; and other Directors from the Ministry of Transportation.
This exercise is a testament to the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Redline Rail is fully prepared to meet the demands of the public. The insights gained from this phase of testing will be instrumental in fine-tuning the service, thereby guaranteeing a seamless and efficient experience for future passengers. The Redline Rail, once fully operational, is expected to revolutionize urban transportation in Lagos, easing traffic congestion and providing a reliable and swift alternative for commuters across the state.
