View source for Red Line (Lagos Transit)

{{Short description|Heavy Rail service in Lagos, Nigeria}}{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Red Line
| color                           = D50000
| image                           = HST train on Lagos metro red line.jpg
| caption                         = An HST on the Lagos Red Line
| type                            = [[Rapid transit]]
| system                          = [[Lagos Metro]]
| status                          = Operational
| start                           = Oyingbo
| end                             = Marina
| stations                        = 12 (8 operational, 4 under construction)
| mapcolor                        = Red
| yearcommenced                   = {{Start date and age|2021}}
| planopen                        = End of 2023
| open                            = {{Start date and age|2024|10|15}}
| lastextension                   = {{Start date and age|2024|10|15}}
| owner                           = [[LAMATA]]
| character                       = Fully Elevated and At-Grade
| linelength_km                   = 37
| linelength_mi                   = 22.99
| tracks                          = 2
| gauge                           = {{RailGauge|sg}}
| speed_mph                       = 148
| map                             = {{Lagos Rail Mass Transit}}
| map_state                       = show
| map_name                        = Red and Blue Lines map
}}

The '''Red Line''' is a heavy rail service that runs from Marina to [[Agbado-Oke Odo|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 (transportation)|right-of-way]] with the [[Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway]]. Like the [[Blue Line (Lagos Rail Mass Transit)|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 (Lagos Rail Mass Transit)|Blue Line]], this line is being constructed by [[CCECC]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-22 |title=Inside the Lagos Red Line - Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/inside-the-lagos-red-line/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=dailytrust.com/ |language=en-US}}</ref>

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. A ceremonial inauguration was held in February 2024, but regular passenger service from Agbado to Oyingbo started only on October 15, 2024; connecting with the future [[Purple Line (Lagos Transit)|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 connected it to the [[Blue Line (Lagos Rail Mass Transit)|Blue]] and future [[Green Line (Lagos Transit)|Green Line]], is currently ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AriseNews |date=2024-10-15 |title=Lagos Launches Red Line Rail Service, Projected to Transport 500,000 Passengers Daily |url=https://www.arise.tv/lagos-launches-red-line-rail-service-projected-to-transport-500000-passengers-daily/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Arise News |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History ==
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|Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA)]] Initially proposed in 2008, the rail system aimed to enhance transportation efficiency. Though construction of the Red Line officially began in 2021 costs estimate at $135 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Usaini |first=Nebianet |date=2024-02-29 |title=Quick Facts About The Lagos Red Line Rail Project |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2024/02/29/quick-facts-about-the-lagos-red-line-rail-project/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Channels Television |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=BusinessDay |date=2024-03-01 |title=Here are 5 things to know about Lagos' Red Line Rail project |url=https://businessday.ng/news/article/here-are-5-things-to-know-about-lagos-red-line-rail-project/#google_vignette |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Businessday NG |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2022, [[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority|LAMATA]] acquired two [[Talgo|Talgo VIII]] trains for the project and [[InterCity 125|Intercity 125 High-Speed Trains (HSTs)]] from the UK in 2023, getting 11 locomotives and 11 coaches through the ROMIC Group.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Lagos Govt acquires 10-car speed trains for Red Line project {{!}} Pulse Nigeria |url=https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/local/lagos-govt-acquires-10-car-speed-trains-for-red-line-project-2024072508081630796#:~:text=Lagos%20State%20Government%20has%20acquired%20two%2010-car%20Talgo,Spanish%20train%20manufacturer,%20Talgo%20Incorporated,%20in%20the%20U.S. |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.pulse.ng |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=MinutemanMeatMissile |date=2024-04-19 |title=InterCity 125 HST #43008 in Nigeria. Locomotive has been repainted and will be used on the Lagos Red Line in the future. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/transit/comments/1c7n9rh/intercity_125_hst_43008_in_nigeria_locomotive_has/?rdt=38657 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=r/transit}}</ref> These trains were refurbished for use in Lagos' rail system. 

Contributing to its development, the Red Line was inaugurated on February 29, 2024, and the first phase opened to the public on 15 October 2024. The 37-kilometre route runs from Agbado to Oyingbo. Unlike the electric-powered [[Blue Line (Lagos Rail Mass Transit)|Blue Line]], the Red Line operates with [[Diesel multiple unit|Diesel Multiple Units (DMU's)]] sharing tracks with the [[Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway|Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway]]. The project also includes 10 vehicular bridges and pedestrian crossing to support safe transit. Designed to improve mobility in Lagos, the Red Line is expected to contribute to reducing travel times and road congestion while facilitating urban transportation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=red line lagos decongestion |url=https://www.bing.com/search?q=red%20line%20lagos%20decongestion&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=red%20line%20lagos%20decongestion&sc=12-27&sk=&cvid=6638F625481F44B4AB6D8512EA7F35BB |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Bing |language=en}}</ref>

== Development plan ==
[[Lagos State]] is financing construction of the Red Line with its own resources. The proposed advantages of the Red line are that is 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. A journey that would have taken two hours in traffic can now be taken in 15-30 minutes. The trains are electrified, and security has been provided to prevent vandalism.
=== Contractors ===
The contract was awarded to the [[China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation]] (CCECC), with advisory services being provided by [[CPCS Transcom Limited]].

===Trains===
[[File:EB Talgo Special in Shawnee, KS 2-13-18.jpg|thumb|[[Talgo]] train, before it was exported to Lagos]]
The Red Line has two types of trains. 

In January 2022, Lagos State Governor [[Babajide Sanwo-Olu]] visited the [[United States|US]] state of [[Wisconsin]], to purchase two [[Talgo]] sets for service on the Red Line.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 18, 2022 |title=Lagos State Governor to Visit Milwaukee Talgo Facility |url=https://www.wpr.org/sites/default/files/lagospressrelease.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118231946/https://www.wpr.org/sites/default/files/lagospressrelease.pdf |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |publisher=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Unused US Talgo trains to move to Nigeria |url=https://www.railjournal.com/africa/unused-us-talgo-trains-to-move-to-nigeria/ |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=[[International Railway Journal]]|language=en}}</ref> They had been ordered by [[Wisconsin]] for use on the [[Amtrak]] ''[[Hiawatha (Amtrak train)|Hiawatha]]'' in 2009, but they were never placed in service, and were instead stored.<ref name="urbanmilwaukee.com">{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2022 |title=Talgo's Wisconsin Trains Find Home In… Nigeria |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2022/01/18/talgos-wisconsin-trains-find-home-in-nigeria/}}</ref> Talgo VIII cars are based on the unique technology of the [[Talgo#Talgo Pendular|Talgo ''Pendular'']] model, which (similar to a bicycle rider) ''leans into a curve'' resulting in less sideways force and a higher comfort for passengers when driving over a curvy track.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talgo speed comparison|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/ask-trains/talgo-speed-comparison/ |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Talgo America - Overview |url=http://web.talgoamerica.com/overview |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=web.talgoamerica.com}}</ref> The "leaning" of the car is ''passive'' i.e. it happens purely by the resulting force, without electronics, sensors or engines.  

In 2023, [[Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority|LAMATA]] purcahsed 11 [[British Rail Class 43 (HST)|British Rail Class 43]] powercars and 11 [[British Rail Mark 3]] carriages last operated by [[Arriva CrossCountry]] and [[First Great Western]] from [[Angel Trains]].<ref>HST power cars and coaches head to Nigeria ''[[Railways Illustrated]]'' issue 251 January 2024 page 19</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250825040535/https://www.125group.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fleetlist10082025.pdf HST Power Car Fleetlist] [[125 Group]]</ref>

=== Timetable ===
Source:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agbana |first=Rotimi |date=2025-02-08 |title=Lagos Red Line expands service to nine daily trips - Lagos Red Line |url=https://punchng.com/lagos-red-line-expands-service-to-nine-daily-trips/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=Lagos State Red Line Rail Route, Schedule, and Price List |url=https://nigeriapostcodes.com/lagos-state-red-line-rail-route-schedule-and-price-list/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Southbound Platform
!Oyingbo
!Yaba
!Mushin
!Oshodi
!Ikeja
!Agege
!Iju
!Agbado
|-
| colspan="8" |Morning Service
|-
|6:00
|6:08
|6:14
|6:20
|6:29
|6:36
|6:45
|6:50
|-
|7:30
|7:38
|7:44
|7:50
|7:59
|8:06
|8:15
|8:20
|-
| colspan="8" |Evening Service
|-
|17:20
|17:27
|17:35
|17:44
|17:55
|18:05
|18:17
|18:27
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Northbound Platform
!Agbado
!Iju
!Agege
!Ikeja
!Oshodi
!Mushin
!Yaba
!Oyingbo
|-
|6:30
|6:37
|6:45
|6:53
|7:01
|7:08
|7:13
|7:20
|-
|7:10
|7:17
|7:25
|7:33
|7:41
|7:48
|7:53
|8:00
|-
|8:40
|8:47
|8:55
|9:03
|9:11
|9:18
|9:23
|9:30
|}

=== Fares ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Zone<ref name=":2" />
!Route
!Price ('''₦)''' 
|-
| rowspan="6" |Zone 2
|Agbado-Iju-Agege
|500
|-
|Agege-Ikeja
|500
|-
|Agege-Oshodi
|1000
|-
|Agege-Mushin
|1000
|-
|Agege-Yaba
|1000
|-
|Agege-Oyingbo
|1000
|-
| rowspan="4" |Zone 1
|Ikeja-Oshodi
|500
|-
|Oshodi-Mushin
|500
|-
|Mushin-Yaba
|500
|-
|Yaba-Oyingbo
|500
|-
|Zone 1&2
|Agbado-Oyingbo
|1500
|}

=== Phase I ===
The 27 kilometre long phase costed around $135 million and took around 3 years to build had an Inauguration day in February 2024 and Testing services were held on August 28 to September 27 to ensure everything was working smoothly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nigeria |first=News Agency of |date=2024-08-28 |title=LAMATA starts controlled test run of red line |url=https://gazettengr.com/lamata-starts-controlled-test-run-of-red-line/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Peoples Gazette Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ConsumerConnect |date=2024-08-28 |title=ConsumerConnect {{!}} Public Transport: Lagos activates Red Rail Line free test passenger operations |url=https://consumerconnectng.com/37144 |access-date=2025-05-10 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Phase 1 commercial services were opened on opening day on 15 October 2024 with the line stretching from Oyingbo to Agbado with stations such as [[Iju, Ogun|Iju]], [[Agege]], [[Ikeja]], [[Murtala Muhammed International Airport|MMIA Domestic Airport]], [[Oshodi-Isolo|Oshodi]], [[Mushin, Lagos|Mushin]] and [[Yaba, Lagos|Yaba]]; connecting with the future [[Purple Line (Lagos Transit)|Purple Line]] at [[Agege]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Opanuga |first=Jimisayo |date=2024-10-15 |title=Lagos Red Line Rail begins commercial operations |url=https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/lagos-red-line-rail-begins-commercial-operations/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lagos Redline Metro – First metro infrastructure limited |url=https://first-metro.com/lagos-redline-metro/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Phase II ===
Phase 2 is currently under construction stretching 10 kilometers with the line going from Oyingbo to Marina to interchange with the [[Blue Line (Lagos Transit)|Blue]] and [[Green Line (Lagos Transit)|Green]] Lines. Stations include: [[Ebute Metta]], [[Iddo Island|Iddo]] and [[Ebute Ero]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PPP-Lagos |url=https://ppplagos.lagosstate.gov.ng/project-details/the-redline-rail-project#:~:text=The%20Red%20Line%20rail%20project%20is%20a%2037,Yaba,%20Ebute%20meta,%20Iddo,%20Ebute%20Ero%20and%20Marina. |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=ppplagos.lagosstate.gov.ng}}</ref> However, plans to switch the terminal from Marina to [[National Theatre, Nigeria|National theatre]] have been suggested.

== References ==

{{reflist}}{{Rapid transit in Africa}}{{Urban rail transit in Africa}}{{Lagos}}
[[Category:Rail transport in Lagos]]
[[Category:Lagos Rail Mass Transit]]