Lagosians Anticipate Long-Awaited Blue Rail As Operation Begins Today
The first phase of the rail line extends from Marina to Mile 2 with five stations located in Marina, National Theatre, Iganmu, Alaba, and Orile.
The first ride is expected to commence from Marina to Mile 2 Train Station.
According to the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, for the first month, the train would run only 12 trips with the locomotive system.
However, LAMATA will begin the electric-powered train operation with 76 trips. An estimated passenger capacity between 150,000 and 175,000 are expected to take rides from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
While the train will only stop for 90 seconds at each station, the LAMATA boss noted the state government’s transport palliative would also reflect on the train services.
Sanwo-Olu took the first ride at about 09:45 a.m. alongside the first set of passengers.
Already, the Lagos State Government has warned residents against crossing the rail track.
“Dear Lagosians, please be reminded as we kick off the commercial operations of the Lagos Blue Line Rail transport on Monday, that the rail line is electrified. Don’t cross the rail lines because it is dangerous. Use the overhead bridges that have been provided by the government. Thank you,” the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, wrote on Twitter, known formerly as X.
