New Era In Lagos As Test-run Of Blue Light Train Begins

• The Lagos government announced the completion of the Blue Rail Line project in December 2022.

• President Muhammadu Buhari came to town in January 2023 to inaugurate it.

• The rail system is expected to move about 5000 passengers daily.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Government has commenced a test-run of the Blue Line Train from the Marina Station to the Mile 2 Train Station.

The government started the test-run on Thursday in a move that marked a new era in Lagos.

Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Fredric Oladehinde stated that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LMRT) is a life-changing urban rail project designed to transform mobility in the state.

According to him, “The LMRT is an offshoot of the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan that will revitalise communities, improve travel time and change the lifestyle of Lagosians.”

He added that the LMRT will integrate with communities and other transport options which include the road networks and waterways to create accessibility, provide employment and businesses that will shape the future of the State.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo disclosed that the six train sets comprising four cars each are expected to be deployed on the Blue Rail Line, subsequently, other cars will be added for maximum optimisation.

“We understand that Lagos is a cosmopolitan city with a growing population of over 20 million people, our Vision and Mission as an Agency is to continue seeking innovative ways to facilitate sustainable and effective integrated transport system to citizens of the State,” she added.

Akinajo said, “The Test-Run aims to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to experience the comfort and convenience the LMRT can provide and also get feedback on areas of improvement in order to provide top-notch train service to Lagosians. The Blue Line Rail System is expected to move about 5000 passengers daily”.

The General Manager explained that under the completed first phase, five stations have been built and furnished for passenger operations at Mile 2, Alaba, Orile-Iganmu, National Theatre and Marina, stressing that the Marina Train Station is a major interchange where other modes of transportation, water and road, will integrate with the rail.

Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga, the Director of Rail Transportation in LAMATA stated that the Blue Rail Line system is in tandem with the Lagos State Smart City project as the entire infrastructure is established on the premise of technology.

“The electricity powered rail system, unified payment system (Cowry Card), World standard cars that are automated, fitted with audio and visual communication systems and speedometer to deter speed above 80km/HR are examples of the integration of technology to the project aimed towards making Lagos a smart city,” he said.

Okusaga averred that the LMRT is a Public infrastructure that will positively transform the lives of Lagosians and so everyone should take care of it, just as he revealed that the passenger operation and maintenance of the train system will be concessioned to a capable operator to ensure sustenance.

He also assured Lagosians living with disabilities that there are provisions of ramps, elevators, escalators and spaces designated for those on wheelchairs for their convenience.

The test-run of the first phase which commenced on Monday, 13th February 2023 is scheduled to continue for the next two months during which stakeholders and different segments of society will be invited to partake in the experience.