The Lagos State Government has announced plans to deploy about 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-buses before the end of 2024 in furtherance of its efforts to provide affordable transportation to commuters in the state.
Following the completion of proof of concept on the feasibility of use of non-combustible engines as substitute for fuel-powered vehicles, the State has concluded plans to take delivery of 100 units of CNG buses and 50 electric buses from the Federal Government to be deployed on some routes in the first quarter of 2024.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave this hint on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Ikeja overpass flyover constructed along the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line corridor.
According to him, the gradual transitioning of Lagos transport system to gas-powered modes will help in the realization of Lagos government’s zero-carbon programme, with the expectation of becoming an emission-neutral city by 2050.
The governor restated his administration’s “commitment to delivering a transport system that is safe, sustainable, integrated, seamless and with the potential to drive the socio-economic growth and development of Lagos and the country.’
The commissioning of the 4th flyover constructed along the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line corridor marked the near completion of the 37-kilometre rail network connecting Lagos and Ogun states.
The Ikeja flyover, the largest overpass component of the Red Line project, was inaugurated by Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on the invitation of his Lagos counterpart.
The project, undertaken by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is one of the T-shape overpasses planned along 10 level crossings along the rail alignment to eliminate pedestrian and vehicular interference on the tracks. The flyovers significantly reduce the risk of accidents and collisions between trains and vehicles.
The Red Line project is expected to move more than 500,000 passengers daily when it becomes operational. It stretches from Agbado to Oyingbo, with eight stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba and terminates at Oyingbo.
Sanwo-Olu said the completion of ancillary infrastructure of the Red Line was a prelude to the commencement of passenger operations of the metro line that is scheduled for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu in the first quarter of next year.
He pointed out that the delivery of the overpass bridges demonstrated his administration’s commitment to safety of Lagosians, pointing out that the bridges had permanently resolved fatal accidents occasioned by collisions at railway crossings.
The governor expatiated: “When we came on board, we gave our words on the implementation of two rail lines, which are the LRMT Blue and Red lines. In the last four and a half years of our administration, we have prioritised the implementation of an integrated transportation system under the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of our THEMES+ Agenda.
“We have delivered life-enhancing transport infrastructures which are making life easier for the average Lagosian. The first phase of the Blue Line is already in operation, giving a lot of relief to those using its corridor of operations. The flyover infrastructure we are commissioning today is one of the five overpass bridges we planned for the Red Line alignment, which is a precursor to the commencement of passenger operations”, Sanwo-Olu added.
