What to Know About Riding the Lagos Red Line Train

As Lagos continues its transformation into a modern mega-city, one of the most promising developments is the introduction of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system starting with the Red Line. A recent Instagram reel has gone viral for offering a clear and engaging walkthrough of the Red Line experience, from boarding procedures to the ride itself. For anyone curious about how it works, here’s an in-depth article published base on the recommendation of @seelagos on Instagram on what you can expect when taking the Red Line train in Lagos.

The Route: Connecting Communities, Easing Congestion

The Red Line currently runs from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in central Lagos, cutting through major areas like:

• Iju

• Agege

• Ikeja

• Oshodi

• Mushin

• Yaba

• Oyingbo

This route strategically connects residential zones to commercial hubs, significantly reducing the reliance on private cars and the notorious danfo buses that crowd Lagos roads. It’s a big win in the fight against urban gridlock and long, sweaty commutes.

How to Ride: Cowry Cards Are a Must

Unlike traditional rail or bus services in Lagos, the Red Line requires commuters to use a Cowry Card a reusable contactless smart card used across various public transport systems in the state, including BRT buses.

To get started:

• Purchase a Cowry Card at designated stations or authorized vendors.

• Load the card with funds at the station terminals.

• Tap in and out at the automated gates before and after your ride.

Without this card, there’s no boarding the train, which could be frustrating if you’re unaware. So plan ahead.

From the visuals shown in the reel, stations like Yaba and Oyingbo are spacious, clean, and reasonably well-organized. The elevated design of these stations also improves safety and helps manage foot traffic effectively

Inside the train, the vibe is completely different from what Lagosians are used to. The reel showcases:

• Clean, modern interiors

• Air-conditioned coaches

• Adequate seating space

• Quiet, smooth rides

Unlike the chaotic energy of molues or even the best BRT buses, the Red Line offers a peaceful, timely commute. Trains are fast and stick to a schedule, giving residents a reliable way to beat the infamous Lagos traffic.

The Red Line symbolizes a new era for public transportation in Lagos—a shift from chaos to coordination. It’s clean, efficient, and relatively affordable, offering a dignified commuting option for everyday Lagosians. With time, and the right investments in scale and continuity, the Red Line has the potential to become a model for mass transit across West Africa.

For a visual preview of what it’s like to ride the Red Line, check out the original Instagram reel here.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIdYD8IM49_/?igsh=NjJ3b2ozNjgycmtr