The internet was recently agog with news of the acquisition of two sets of 10-coach Talgo trains by the Lagos State Government for the Lagos Red Line rail project. As pictures of the new trains emerged, people have been full of praise for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu – the man of the moment and driver of the dream for a Greater Lagos. The governor has never stopped sharing his vision of making Lagos one of the world’s leading megacities. Aware that dreams are only but mere imaginations, Sanwo-Olu has exemplified unusual commitment to actualizing these dreams and translating them into reality through commitment, actionable policies and bold efforts.
It is open secret that over the years, many residents have had to device different strategies such as rising early and retiring late, commuting hours before time and spending more money, in other to beat traffic and meet engagements and schedules. As a servant-leader who is in tune with the agitations of his people, Sanwo-Olu has taken up the responsibility of ensuring that the traffic congestion and mobility crisis that has plagued Lagos State becomes a thing of the past. He unveiled plans to provide other means of transportation by exploring the vast Lagos waterways and the development of an urban mass rail system.
While the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) and the Uber Boat Water Transport Service are underway and providing hundreds of thousands of citizens with comfort and ease of movement to their various destinations, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not resting on his oars but is pushing on with grit to see his vision for an operational metro rail transport system in Lagos State – the first of its kind in West Africa.
Leading from the frontlines, the governor made the trip to faraway Milwaukee, United States of America to complete the acquisition deal and personally inspect the trains to be sure they meet standards and are fit for the use and comfort of the people of Lagos state, whom he loves and diligently serves. Thundering at a speed of 330km/hr the new trains, will transport about 500,000 passengers daily on the 37 kilometres Red Line Rail project linking Agbado to Marina, while the 27.5 kilometres Blue line Rail Project will run from Okokomaiko to Marina, when completed.
The benefits of this noble innovation cannot be overemphasized. It will reduce gridlock and ensure interconnectivity across different part of the state, as well as decrease overreliance on road transport, attendant dilapidation of roads occasioned due to overuse. The interconnectedness of the rapid transit light rail system is a critical component will work to spur economic growth across the state and also create massive employment opportunities for youths and the unemployed in the state, with job s like ticketing and luggage handling, cleaning, information services, station operations, maintenance, security, canteens and centres for other public transit needs.
With the rail lines operational, journey time will be reduced from one end to the other; fares will go down, as well as the risks and exposure of passengers to respiratory diseases occasioned by heavy carbon emission and pollution.
Indeed, Governor Sanwo-Olu has set himself apart as a visionary and futuristic leader with topnotch administrative savvy as seen in the impressive efforts and committed focus with which he drives the dream for a better and GREATER LAGOS.
