The eagerly awaited commencement of full commercial operations on the Lagos Blue rail line is finally scheduled for September 4.
This announcement was made by the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, during a guided ride and infrastructure tour with newsmen on Wednesday.
She said that the inaugural ride at 9am on September 4 would be taken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before regular passengers are welcomed to the service.
The rail line was originally inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January and has been undergoing testing since then.
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Akinajo said the delay in full operation was attributed to challenges surrounding import and export, she however, reassured that LAMATA remains steadfast in its commitment to launching operations on September 4.
Although the rail line is electric, it will initially utilize locomotives for the first four weeks of operation to ensure the electric system is fully operational and in sync with the physical infrastructure.
This adjustment period will also allow passengers to become familiar with the new system.
The tracks would, however, remain energised so that passengers are not allowed to cross them.
According to Akinajo, “the train would run 12 trips in two schedules for now – 6.30am to 10am (morning peak) and 4.30pm – 9pm (evening peak). The train will also stop for 90 seconds at each station. It will run 76 trips, from 5.30am -11pm, when it becomes fully operational in four weeks.
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“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.”
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.