LAGOS RAIL MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM
Lagos is a city of over 18 million inhabitants and by 2015, the population is project to reach about 25 million people, a figure that will make Lagos the third largest mega city in the world. The huge population of Lagos has therefore been largely responsible for the increase in the intensity of traffic congestion and by extension, environmental degradation. For this reason, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has developed a network of seven rail lines for the city of Lagos. However, two of the lines would be developed as a matter of priority.
The two lines are:
Red Line, running from Agbado to Marina with a spur to the domestic and international wings of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja. The Red Line is a 37 kilometre rail road with 13 stations. I would run on 1435mm Standard Gauge and it is expected to carry more than 1.3 million passengers daily.
Blue Line – This service will run in the middle of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway which is being redeveloped to a 10-lane international gateway between Lagos and neighbouring West African States. The service has design for 13 stations and would also run on Standard Gauge
 
Lagos Urban Rail Network Red and Blue lines
LAMATA’s goal is to develop and implement a transport system that meets standards of technical excellence, harnesses the energy and efficiency of the private sector and has broad social and political acceptance.
Thus, the main objectives and benefits of the Urban Rail Network (Red and Blue lines) are to:
Reduce road congestion
Improve road traffic safety
Increase travel efficiency and worker productivity
Improve the quality of the environment
Improve the quality of life and social standard
Increase and spread economic activity throughout the city
Enhance to ultimate objective of multi modal passenger transport
THE PROJECT
The LRMT would be implemented as a joint public private partnership (PPP).
The defined basis of the PPP would be that the infrastructure would be provided by the Client (LAMATA) under a design/build contract and the actual railway operations would be funded and managed by the private sector under a Concession agreement.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The track infrastructure would be designed with the objectives of simplicity, very limited maintenance involvement and long-term sustainability.
The major grade separation structure on the corridor would be the Cable-stay Bridge over river structure, which would provide easy access to the quay side on the route.
The train stations would be typical centre inland with both-side-track or intermediate station. At some locations, there will be interchange stations and sufficient pedestrian bridges between all stations provided
SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Lagos Rail will feature the latest signalling technology, including automatic train protection (ATP) and automated signalling to control the high-volume of train movements on the routes.
ROLLING STOCK
As part of the overall Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) scheme, tender documents will be issued inviting potential tenderers to bid for the supply, operation and maintenance of new rolling stock. The successful tenderer will be required to enter into a concession contract with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
The optimal choice of rolling stock is Diesel-powered Metro-style vehicles; with 4 to 10 vehicles per train with multiple doors.
MAINTENANCE
Tenderers will be required to propose maintenance packages that ensure that the Multiple Units will be maintained in accordance with OEM’s recommendations over the commitment period.
Tenderers will also be required to propose a maintenance package that will ensure that the value of the Multiple Units at the end of the commitment period will not be impaired through deferred maintenance.
The successful supplier of rolling stock will be expected to operate the rolling stock and undertake all maintenance of the rolling stock. The successful Tenderer will also be required to train and certify designated LAMATA personnel, or the personnel of their appointed auditor, to conduct such inspections.
THE FUTURE
The rail network is aimed at meeting the transportation needs of the state’s population, which is expected to soar to around 25 million by 2015; and also for Lagos to have an integrated public transport system comprising quality bus, light rail and ferry services.
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