// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Red Line say to Lagos Transit? "You're always crossing me.
| Red Line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 An InterCity 125 HST on the Lagos Red Line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Status | Operational | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | LAMATA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Termini |
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| Stations | 12 (8 operational, 4 under construction) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Color on map | Red | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | Commuter Rail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System | Lagos Metro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commenced | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opened | 15 October 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Line length | 37 km (23 mi) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of tracks | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Character | Elevated, at-grade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating speed | 150 km/h (93 mph) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Red Line is a heavy rail service that runs from Marina to Agbado in Lagos, Nigeria and is developed by the Lagos Rail Mass Transit initiative managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). The line shares the right-of-way with the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway. Like the Blue Line, construction of the Red Line has been split into two phases. Once all sections are completed, the line will reach a length of 37 km. Similar to the Blue Line, this line is being constructed by CCECC.[1]
In September 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured residents that the first phase of the line was 95% complete and would be finished by the end of the year.[2] A ceremonial inauguration was held in February 2024, but regular passenger service from Agbado to Oyingbo started only on 15 October 2024; connecting with the future Purple Line at Agege. This first phase is 27 km in length and has 8 stations. Construction of the second phase, which will extend the line to Marina Station and provide an interchange with the Blue and future Green Line, is currently ongoing.[3]
History
[edit]The Red Line is a commuter rail system in Lagos, Nigeria, developed as part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit initiative managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Initially proposed in 2008, the rail system aimed to enhance transportation efficiency. Construction of the Red Line officially began in 2021 costsing around $135 million.[4][5] In January 2022, LAMATA acquired two Talgo VIII trains for the project and Intercity 125 High-Speed Trains (HSTs) from the UK in 2023, getting 11 locomotives and 11 coaches through the ROMIC Group.[6][7] These trains were refurbished for use in Lagos' rail system.
Contributing to its development, the Red Line was inaugurated on 29 February 2024, and the first phase opened to the public on 15 October 2024.[8][9] The 37-kilometre route runs from Agbado to Oyingbo.[5] Unlike the electric-powered Blue Line, the Red Line operates with Diesel Multiple Units (DMU's) sharing tracks with the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.[5] The project also includes 10 vehicular bridges and pedestrian crossings to support safe transit.[10] Designed to improve mobility in Lagos, the Red Line is expected to contribute to reducing travel times and road congestion while facilitating urban transportation.[11]
Development plan
[edit]Lagos State is financing construction of the Red Line with its own resources.[12] The proposed advantages of the Red Line are that it will allow commuters to spend less time travelling in the area by avoiding traffic jams, which can take many hours to get through, whilst also being cheaper.[5] A journey that would have taken two hours in traffic can now be taken in 15-30 minutes. Security has been provided to prevent vandalism.[5]
Contractors
[edit]The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with advisory services being provided by CPCS Transcom.[13]
Phase I
[edit]The 27-kilometre-long phase cost around $135 million and took around 3 years to build and had an Inauguration Day in February 2024 from the President of Nigeria. Testing services were held from August 28 to September 27 of that year to ensure everything was working smoothly.[14][15] Phase 1 commercial services were opened on 15 October 2024, with the line stretching from Oyingbo to Agbado with stations such as Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA Domestic Airport, Oshodi, Mushin and Yaba; connecting with the future Purple Line at Agege.[16][17][18]
Phase II
[edit]Phase 2 is currently under construction, stretching 10 kilometers with the line going from Oyingbo to Marina to interchange with the Blue and Green Lines. Stations include: Ebute Metta, Iddo and Ebute Ero.[19] However, plans to switch the terminal from Marina to National Theatre have been suggested.
Rolling stock
[edit]
The Red Line has two types of trains.
In January 2022, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu travelled to Wisconsin to acquire two Talgo VIII trainsets for use on the Red Line.[20][21] These sets had originally been ordered by Wisconsin in 2009 for the Amtrak Hiawatha service, but they were never introduced into operation and remained in storage instead.[22]
Talgo VIII coaches use the distinctive system, the Talgo Pendular model, which allows the cars to lean naturally into curves—much like a cyclist—reducing lateral forces and improving passenger comfort on winding track.[23][24] This tilting action is entirely passive, relying on the dynamics of the train rather than any electronic control, sensors, or motors.[25]
In 2023, LAMATA purchased 11 British Rail Class 43 powercars and 11 British Rail Mark 3 carriages last operated by Arriva CrossCountry and First Great Western from Angel Trains.[26][27]
Stations
[edit]| Zones[28] | Station | Connections |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Agbado | Lagos-Ibadan train |
| 2 | Iju | |
| 2, 1B | Agege | Lagos-Ibadan train |
| 1, 2B | Ikeja | |
| 1, 2B | Oshodi | |
| 1, 2B | Mushin | |
| 1 | Yaba | |
| 1 | Oyingbo |
Note that if a station is in zone 1, a zone 1B ticket can also be used, and if it is in zone 2, a zone 2B ticket can also be used.[28]
The Lagos-Ibadan train stops at Agbado, Agege, and also at Mobolaji Johnson station in Ebute-Metta, which is located between Yaba and Oyingbo.[29]
Operation
[edit]Timetable
[edit]Timetable
Since 10 February 2025, the Red Line has operated 5 morning trips (3 inbound to Oyingbo, 2 outbound to Agbado) and 4 evening trips (2 in each direction), and has improved the travel time to 50 minutes, dwelling 2 minutes at each station.[30]
Fares
[edit]The fares are based on zone. Additionally, there are "B" zones which overlap the normal zones, allowing travel, for example, between Abgado and Mushin using a zone 2B ticket.[28]
| Distance | Longest allowed trip | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stop | (1 stop) | N350 |
| Zone 2 | Agbado-Ikeja | N500 |
| Zone 2B | Agbado-Mushin | N750 |
| Zone 1 | Ikeja-Oyingbo | N500 |
| Zone 1B | Agege-Oyingbo | N750 |
| Both zones | Agbado-Oyingbo | N1000 |
References
[edit]- ↑ "Inside the Lagos Red Line". Daily Trust. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ↑ Nwafor (4 September 2023). "Lagos redline rail 95% ready, says Sanwo-Olu, flags off blue line". Vanguard News. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ AriseNews (15 October 2024). "Lagos Launches Red Line Rail Service, Projected to Transport 500,000 Passengers Daily". Arise News. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ↑ Usaini, Nebianet (29 February 2024). "Quick Facts About The Lagos Red Line Rail Project". Channels Television. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 BusinessDay (1 March 2024). "Here are 5 things to know about Lagos' Red Line Rail project". Businessday NG. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ↑ "Lagos Govt acquires 10-car speed trains for Red Line project | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ "Britain's fastest diesel trains got new lease on life in Nigeria | ROLLINGSTOCK". ROLLINGSTOCK. 21 October 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2026. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ "Inauguration of Lagos Red Line to Alleviate Traffic Congestion – Progressive News". Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ Newdawn (15 October 2024). "Lagos Red Line commences operation". New Dawn Nigeria. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ Correspondents, Our (7 March 2024). "What To Know About Lagos Red Line". Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ↑ Aderibigbe, Adeyinka (4 September 2024). "Lagos' Red Line set to alleviate traffic woes". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ Jeremiah, Urowayino (12 March 2024). "Transportation: Redline rail, a game changer for mass movement kicks-off in Lagos". Vanguard News. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ "PPP-Lagos". ppplagos.lagosstate.gov.ng. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ Nigeria, News Agency of (28 August 2024). "LAMATA starts controlled test run of red line". Peoples Gazette. Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ ConsumerConnect (28 August 2024). "ConsumerConnect | Public Transport: Lagos activates Red Rail Line free test passenger operations". Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ Opanuga, Jimisayo (15 October 2024). "Lagos Red Line Rail begins commercial operations". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ↑ "Lagos Redline Metro – First metro infrastructure limited". Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ↑ Bassey, Joshua (15 November 2021). "Explainer: What to know about Lagos' rail ambition". Businessday NG. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ "PPP-Lagos". ppplagos.lagosstate.gov.ng. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ "Lagos State Governor to Visit Milwaukee Talgo Facility" (PDF). Wisconsin Public Radio. 18 January 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ↑ "Unused US Talgo trains to move to Nigeria". International Railway Journal. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ↑ "Talgo's Wisconsin Trains Find Home In… Nigeria". 18 January 2022.
- ↑ "Talgo speed comparison". Trains. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ↑ "Talgo America - Overview". web.talgoamerica.com. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ↑ "Technological Principles – Talgo". www.talgo.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2026. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ HST power cars and coaches head to Nigeria Railways Illustrated issue 251 January 2024 page 19
- ↑ HST Power Car Fleetlist 125 Group
- 1 2 3 "The fare chart for the Red Line".
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Nigerian Railway Corporation e-Ticketing App, Lagos-Ibadan Train Timetables".
- ↑ Obiowo, Caleb (8 February 2025). "Lagos Red Line to run 9 daily trips between Agbado and Oyingbo from Feb 10". Nairametrics. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
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