Sanwo-Olu slashes fare on Red Line by 30 per cent

By Lukman Olabiyi

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a 30% reduction in transport fares for the Red Line at the official commissioning of the Abule Egba Bus Terminal.

This decision was made to make the Red Line transportation system more accessible and affordable for Lagosians.

In his address, Sanwo-Olu reflected on the state’s commitment to improving public transportation.

He noted that six years ago, the state government promised to upgrade the public transport system with modern, sustainable infrastructure to help residents meet their daily needs.

He emphasised that the newly commissioned terminal in Abule Egba is part of his vision, which will provide smoother commuting options for Lagosians.

The governor also highlighted plans for future rail projects, including the Green Line, which will stretch 68 kilometres from Marina to the Lekki Free Zone, and the 60-kilometre Purple Line linking the Redemption Camp in Ogun State to Volkswagen on the Lagos Badagry Expressway.

These projects are expected to improve connectivity and transport capacity across Lagos.

He also mentioned the signing of a historic agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to make the Green Line a reality.

Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that the rail systems, alongside enhanced bus services, are already contributing to the city’s mobility.

He also revealed that new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric buses are expected by the third quarter of 2025. This expansion aims to improve bus availability, reduce wait times at bus stops, and support sustainable transport.

The governor urged residents to appreciate and protect the infrastructure, as it was funded through taxpayers’ contributions.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, shared the vision for an integrated public transport system that would make commuting easier for Lagosians. She explained that sustainable infrastructure is crucial for seamless connectivity and highlighted that bus terminals are central to coordinating public transport. The state government has already provided terminals in locations like Ikeja, Oshodi, Yaba, and others, with the Abule Egba terminal now added to the list. A new terminal at Iyana Ipaja is under construction.

Akinajo described the Abule Egba terminal’s features, which include loading bays, customer service areas, a waiting space, restaurants, commercial spaces, staff offices, public restrooms, a water treatment plant, and provisions for green energy.