Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has revealed plans to inaugurate the long-awaited Lagos rail mass transit Red Line on February 29, aiming to significantly enhance transportation infrastructure in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement during the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) Stakeholders Forum 2024, held in Ikeja. The event, themed “Parking in Lagos, The Journey So Far: Assessing the Social and Economic Impact of the Sector,” provided a platform to discuss critical transportation issues.
According to the Governor, the Red Line rail system, once operational, is expected to accommodate approximately 500,000 passengers daily, offering a crucial solution to the city’s transportation challenges.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the Red Line, emphasising its potential to alleviate congestion and enhance the commuter experience in Lagos.
“I am happy to invite you when Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would be commissioning the Red Line. We are still hoping to commission it within this February,” Sanwo-Olu stated, underlining the project’s importance in expanding transportation options across the city.
Furthermore, the Governor underscored the pivotal role of LASPA in addressing parking management issues, aligning with the government’s broader agenda to optimize traffic flow and transportation efficiency.
“As you are all aware, the Lagos State Government has a strategic transport master plan within the ambit of this master plan. We have the Lagos State Parking Policy, as well as the law that was established in 2021,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.
He reiterated LASPA’s mandate to regulate parking activities and implement innovative, sustainable solutions to promote responsible parking practices across Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling traffic congestion comprehensively, citing indiscriminate parking as a key obstacle to achieving seamless traffic flow.
“We’re intentional and unrelenting in our efforts to address all traffic issues in the state, and we have identified indiscriminate parking as one of the major challenges to the free flow of traffic,” the Governor concluded.
