Lagos rail lines continue to face challenges in reducing traffic congestion across the city. Limited train frequency, restricted routes and weak connections with other transport services remain major concerns.
Transport researcher Tonami Playman highlighted these issues in an interview with Nairametrics. He argued that Lagos needs more frequent trains, wider rail coverage and better bus connections to attract more commuters.
The concerns emerge as Lagos State expands its railway network. The government plans to extend the Blue Line beyond Mile 2, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has proposed an airport monorail.
However, passenger figures suggest that road transport still dominates daily commuting. Afolabi Olamide, co-founder and chief executive of Touch and Pay Technologies, which operates the Cowry fare payment platform, shared figures illustrating this gap.
According to Olamide, regulated buses handle more than five million passenger trips monthly. In comparison, the Blue Line records approximately 500,000 trips, while the Red Line carries around 100,000.
These figures raise important questions about the reach of Lagos rail lines and their ability to reduce pressure on the city’s roads.
Low Train Frequency Limits Lagos Rail Lines
Playman believes the Blue Line needs more frequent services to attract commuters on a larger scale. Its relatively short route also limits its influence on traffic across the wider city.
He cited an operating frequency of four trains per hour as a constraint on the line’s potential.
Furthermore, Playman expressed concern about the Red Line’s service frequency. He argued that the current level falls short of what Lagos needs for large-scale urban transportation.
He recommended increasing Blue Line operations to at least 10 to 12 trains per hour. The Red Line also needs more frequent services to improve its appeal.
More trains could reduce waiting times and give commuters a stronger reason to leave their cars at home. Consequently, improved services could make rail travel a more practical option for daily journeys.
However, Lagos must address several operational requirements to achieve this goal. The government needs enough trains, reliable electricity, effective maintenance and sustainable operating funds.
The rail network must also connect passengers to more destinations. Coordinated bus services would help commuters complete journeys beyond individual railway stations.
Without these improvements, many residents may continue to depend on private vehicles and road-based transport.
Blue Line Extension Requires More Trains
Lagos State plans to extend the Blue Line from Mile 2 towards FESTAC, Alakija and Trade Fair. The state has targeted February 2027 for the new stations to begin operations.
Playman welcomed the planned expansion but stressed the need for additional trains. He warned that the longer route would require a larger fleet to maintain existing service levels.
The government would need even more trains to introduce the higher frequency he recommended. Otherwise, extending the railway could increase journey coverage without delivering the expected improvement in service.
The expansion could benefit residents and businesses along the Lagos-Badagry corridor. New stations would bring rail access closer to more communities and commercial areas.
Nevertheless, station availability alone will not determine the project’s success. Commuters also need reliable train schedules, convenient station access and connecting buses.
For this reason, the Lagos rail lines expansion must combine infrastructure development with practical transport planning.
A longer railway network could improve mobility, but only if the service meets passengers’ everyday needs. The government must ensure that the extension offers both wider coverage and dependable operations.
Proposed Airport Monorail Raises Funding Questions
FAAN has proposed a monorail connecting Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s international and domestic terminals with the Red Line at Ikeja.
However, Playman questioned whether Lagos should prioritise this project over improvements to its existing transport network.
He argued that the state should first strengthen its current rail services and improve connections between trains and buses. In his view, these investments could benefit more daily commuters.
Playman pointed to Prague as an example of a major urban transport system that uses buses to connect passengers to its airport rather than relying on a dedicated airport railway.
He also noted that airport passengers account for only a small share of travel across a metropolitan area. Therefore, the government should carefully assess projected demand before committing resources to a specialised connection.
The proposal raises broader questions about transport funding and public value. Lagos must weigh the airport link against projects that could improve everyday travel for a larger population.
A thorough assessment should consider projected passenger numbers, construction expenses and long-term operating costs. It should also compare the monorail with alternative bus services.
Most importantly, planners should examine how effectively the proposed connection would integrate with the wider transport network.
Lagos Rail Lines Could Influence Property Demand
The performance of Lagos rail lines also matters to the property market. Reliable public transport can improve access to workplaces, commercial centres and essential services.
As a result, homes and commercial properties near well-connected stations may attract greater interest. Residents often value locations that offer more predictable commuting times.
Improved rail access could also expand the areas where workers can live while remaining connected to employment centres. Businesses may benefit from easier access for employees and customers.
However, the presence of a railway station does not automatically increase property values. The quality of the entire journey remains important.
For example, commuters may struggle to benefit from faster train journeys if connecting buses arrive late. Expensive last-mile transport and poor pedestrian access can also reduce the appeal of nearby locations.
Therefore, developers, investors and property owners should examine several factors beyond proximity to a station. These include service frequency, reliability, affordability and connections to other transport options.
The proposed Blue Line extension could improve accessibility along the Lagos-Badagry corridor. However, its property market impact will depend on local demand, supporting infrastructure and broader market conditions.
Investors should assess these factors carefully rather than assume that railway expansion will guarantee higher returns.
Ridership Must Guide Future Rail Investments
Lagos needs to measure its railway investments by the benefits they deliver to commuters. Passenger numbers offer one useful indicator of whether the system meets public demand.
Playman identified ridership as an important measure of value for money. He argued that the government should evaluate passenger demand during project planning and monitor performance after operations begin.
Nevertheless, passenger numbers should not stand alone. Journey times, punctuality, operating costs, service frequency and passenger capacity also matter.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has identified last-mile connectivity, capacity, maintenance, power supply and fare sustainability as priorities for the Blue Line.
LAMATA has also emphasised the need to integrate rail services with buses, ferries and future transport corridors.
Ultimately, Lagos must combine infrastructure expansion with better operations and stronger connections between transport services. More tracks alone will not solve the city’s traffic problems.
The real test is whether Lagos rail lines can provide reliable, affordable and convenient journeys for more residents. Achieving that goal could strengthen public transport and reduce dependence on congested roads.
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