Sanwo-Olu slashes transport fare on Red Line by 30 percent

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday announced that Lagosians will now enjoy a 30 percent reduction in the Red Line transportation fare.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made this known at the official commissioning of the Abule Egba Bus Terminal, stating that the fare reduction was implemented because the state government wanted the Red Line transportation system to be accessible and affordable.

In his address at the Abule Egba Bus Terminal commissioning, Sanwo-Olu said, “About six years ago, we pledged to the people of Lagos State to upgrade our public transportation system with modern, sustainable infrastructure to enable them to meet their daily aspirations.

“Today, we are here in Agege to hand over to the people another public infrastructure that will aid their seamless commuting from here to other parts of Lagos and perhaps to other parts of our country, Nigeria.”

“This infrastructure reflects our commitment to continuously enhance public transportation systems, strengthen connectivity, and improve the overall experience for commuters. We are dedicated to taking ongoing steps to advance and modernize transportation across the State.

“In addition to the Blue and Red Rail Lines in operation, we have initiated moves to kick-start the 68-kilometre Green Line from Marina to Lekki Free Zone and the 60-kilometre Purple Line from the Redemption Camp in Ogun State to the Volkswagen area on the Lagos Badagry Expressway to connect with the Blue Line.”

“You will recall that before the close of 2024, I signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to bring the Green Line to life.

“The Green Line will link Marina to key areas like Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, and other communities along the Lekki-Epe corridor, and it is projected to move more than one million passengers daily when demand for its service peaks. The rail line is envisioned to redefine the public transport system in Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu also noted that the rail systems are currently contributing to the mobility of Lagosians, adding that the state government will further enhance bus services.

He said they are anticipating the arrival of new CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses and electric buses by the third quarter of 2025, stating that these additions will expand the current fleet, increase bus availability, and reduce waiting times at bus stops for commuters.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the infrastructure was made possible through taxpayers’ contributions in Lagos State and urged Lagosians to safeguard these assets.

In her welcome address, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, said the vision of the Lagos State government is for a public transport system where all modes are integrated to allow easy commuting for Lagosians.

She noted that for over 20 years, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has focused entirely on making the government’s vision a reality.

“A good transport system has as its backbone sustainable infrastructure that will make seamless connectivity possible. This explains why this administration prioritizes Traffic Management and Transport as the first pillar of its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.”

“The Lagos State Government has been, and is still, investing in the provision of infrastructure for public transportation, including rail, bus services, and water. To properly coordinate bus operations in communities, bus terminals are provided.

“Bus terminals are important because they provide a central location for passengers to board and exit buses and connect to other forms of transportation,” she said.

Mrs. Akinajo further stated that to date, the Lagos State government has provided bus terminals in Ikeja, Oshodi Transit Interchange, Ajah, Oyingbo, Yaba, Ojota, Ifako Ijaiye, and now at Abule Egba. The Iyana Ipaja Bus Terminal is currently under construction.

She noted that, like other terminals before it, the Abule Egba terminal has loading bays, a terminal building with a customer service area, a waiting area, spaces for restaurants and other commercial services, offices for ground staff, public conveniences, a water treatment plant, and provisions for green energy, among others.