Lagos Blue Line Rail and BRT: Bringing New Hope to Commuters and Property Values Along Badagry Expressway

Reduced Transportation Costs Lead to Commuter Savings

Lagos Blue Line Rail and BRT– [October 28, 2023] For Lagos residents living along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, there is a sense of renewed hope and ease in their daily commutes. This transformation is attributed to the combined operation of the Lagos Blue Line rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems that have successfully lowered transportation costs by over 30 percent within the last two months.

Commuters can now travel from Okokomaiko to CMS via BRT for less than N500, while the Lagos Blue Line rail offers an even more affordable option, with fares under N400 from Mile 2 to Marina. These attractive fares have compelled commercial buses that previously charged between N1000 and N1,400 on the same routes to significantly reduce their prices to a range of N700 to N900, depending on the time of day.

Improved Commuting Experience and Economic Impact

The impact of this transportation overhaul goes beyond cost savings. Funso Adebayo, a resident of Ijanikin who works on Lagos Island, expressed his relief at the improved transportation options. Although he personally does not use the public transport systems due to waiting times, he still benefits from the reduced congestion and better traffic flow in the area.

He recalled the harrowing experiences of commuters during the fuel subsidy removal and subsequent petroleum price hikes, which resulted in exorbitant bus fares. Adebayo noted that these new transportation systems have significantly improved accessibility, with a N400 fare to Mile 2 and buses charging as low as N300 to reach CMS.

Expanding Transportation Infrastructure

Currently, the Blue Line rail operates from Marina on Lagos Island to Mile 2, with plans to extend its reach to Okokomaiko in the near future. The Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) is actively working on the second phase of this expansion.

As these developments progress, transportation costs in the region are expected to decrease further, bringing immense relief to residents in an area that was historically characterized by its challenging transportation infrastructure.

Lagos Blue Line Rail and BRT: Impact on Real Estate and Housing Costs

While the improvements in transportation are a boon for commuters, they have also had a significant impact on the real estate market. The expansion and reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, combined with the new public transportation options, have driven an influx of people to the area in search of improved opportunities.

This surge in demand for housing has led to soaring rents and property values. Renters and homeowners have experienced steep price increases. For instance, Betty Morankeji’s annual rent for her 2-bedroom apartment in Agric near Ojo Barracks jumped from N180,000 to N240,000.

In the case of a moderate estate in Ijanikin, a three-bedroom house that originally sold for N8 million is now priced between N15 million and N18 million, depending on the level of finishing. The rents for these houses have also surged, increasing from N350,000 per annum to a range of N500,000 to N750,000 per annum.

Property developers have noted that this increase in real estate value was expected, as the availability of infrastructure, such as the improved Lagos-Badagry Expressway, typically drives up property demand and prices. They anticipate that more developers will invest in the area, positioning it as the new Lekki on the Lagos Mainland.

In conclusion, the combined efforts of the Blue Line rail and BRT systems have not only reduced transportation costs but also positively impacted property values and investment in the Lagos-Badagry Expressway area. This transformation offers a brighter future for residents and investors alike, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development