AWARENESS DRIVE AND THE USE OF LAGOS RED RAIL BY LAGOS RESIDENTS

ABSTRACT This study critically examines the awareness and adoption of the Lagos Red Rail Transportation System as part of Lagos State’s broader efforts to improve urban mobility and reduce chronic traffic congestion. The research explores how effective communication strategies and awareness campaigns influence public perception, knowledge, and ridership of the newly inaugurated Red Rail line, a 37-kilometer North-South corridor expected to transport up to 750,000 passengers daily. Grounded in the Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study assesses the role of diverse information channels, including social media, community outreach, and traditional media, in promoting the system’s use. Employing a survey design, data were collected from residents in Agege, Alagomeji, and Fashola, key communities along the rail corridor, to determine current levels of awareness, perceived barriers, and the impact of government-led awareness drives. Findings highlight that inadequate public knowledge and perceived security concerns remain significant obstacles to adoption despite substantial infrastructural investment. The study underscores the need for sustained, people-centered communication strategies that address local contexts, promote system usability, and build trust in public infrastructure projects. It contributes to the discourse on urban transport planning, sustainable development, and behavioral change communication in megacities. The recommendations advocate for integrated last-mile connectivity, continuous feedback mechanisms, and tailored messaging to different commuters segments to maximize ridership and ensure the long-term success of the Lagos Red Rail Transportation System.