Sanwo-Olu Launches New Coaches for LRMT, Hails President Tinubu’s Support

• The new coaches aim to increase the Blue Line’s capacity
• Sanwo-Olu said the additional coaches would bring about more predictable and reliable operations
• Sanwo-Olu also mentioned President Tinubu’s backing

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated three new sets of coaches for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, paving the way for an enhanced train experience for Lagosians.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the governor unveiled the brand new coaches at the National Arts Theatre Station on Sunday, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s support for the significant project.

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Each of the three sets, imported by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), consists of four cars designed to meet the operational standards of the Blue Line.

The new coaches aim to increase the Blue Line’s capacity, reduce journey time and improve turnaround times for passengers.

Sanwo-Olu also mentioned President Tinubu’s backing of sub nationals following the removal of fuel subsidies, emphasizing the President’s role in encouraging alternative transportation modes to help address the cost of living.

His words : “The whole funding and the expansion of Blue Line capacity have been backed by an audacious transaction that has been made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, about a year and half ago, in his usual understanding, appreciated what the sub nationals are doing under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“While we have seen the positive effects of subsidy removal and the impact of embracing the CNG alternative and electricity-powered vehicles, Mr. President also deemed it fit to extensively support us financially in the procurement of these additional rolling stocks. We are extremely grateful. This is a testament that Renewed Hope Agenda is working well, especially for us in Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu said the additional coaches would bring about more predictable and reliable operations as well as improved turnaround time.

He said: “This afternoon, we have just commissioned and formally handed over to LAMATA and CCECC three sets of train cars. Each set has four cars, which is the standard operating procedure of the Blue Line rail. With the new sets of coaches, it means we are doubling the capacity that we currently have on the Blue Line. Once the coaches are scheduled, we will see reduction in journey time and turnaround time in frequency of journeys.

“We will also witness more predictable and reliable train experience on the Blue Line. Journeys that hitherto took about 20 minutes may now be taken in half of the time now that the capacity is about to be doubled. We will also see changes in time which trains appear at stations; passengers may see trains every 10 minutes, which is what is desirable for an intracity train operation.”

The governor emphasized the Federal Government’s financial backing for the procurement of additional rolling stocks for the LRMT Blue Line.

Furthermore, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced plans to introduce a new set of trains to double the capacity of the Red Line, which connects Agbado in Ogun State to Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland.

The Governor also shared updates on the progress of the second phase of the Blue Line construction, spanning from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

According to him, stations and tracks are taking shape, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility and catering to the growing transportation needs of Lagosians.

“This goes to show that rail transportation as means of commuting has come to stay in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Lagos Blue Line, the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023. It officially started transporting passengers on September 4, 2023, after a period of testing.

In one year, it has ferried over two million passengers. In August 2024, the daily frequency of trips was increased from 54 to 72, reducing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from about 30 minutes to 18 minutes.

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