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By Lukman Olabiyi, Lagos
Lagos State Government’s Blue Line Rail, powered by electricity will begin commercial operation from September 4.
The state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu is listed as one of the dignitaries that would be on board for the inaugural commercial trip of the train, which is from Marina to Mile 2.
According to the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, “the train would run 12 trips in two schedules for now – 6.30 am to 10 am (morning peak) and 4.30 pm – 9 pm (evening peak). The train will also stop for 90 seconds at each station. It will run 76 trips, from 5.30 am to 11 pm, when it becomes fully operational in four weeks.
“About 150,000-175,000 passengers are expected to board daily. The full length of the trip (Marina – Mile 2) will cost N750. However, the 50 per cent discount announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on all BRT rides also applies to the train ride because passengers can only access the service with their cowry cards.”
Though the train is electric, it would run on a locomotive for the first four weeks of operation to allow the electric system to come up fully and sync properly with the physical infrastructure.
It is also to allow passengers to get familiar with the system.
She also warned against eating and drinking on the train, adding that criminals would also be arrested and handed over to the police as there are about 30 cameras along the tracks.
The commence date for the rail line has been shifted several times. Lagosians have been eager to see the commercial flag off of the rail line, especially as they grapple with high transportation fares occasioned by the recent removal of subsidy on petrol, which shot the pump price to N600 and above per litre.
The rail line was started by the former administration of Babatunde Fashola more than 12 years ago. But the first phase – 13km (Marina to Mile 2) on the Lagos-Badagry corridor is being completed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the first phase of the 27km (Marina-Okomaiko) Blue Line rail on January 24, 2023.
