Lagosians Anticipate Long-Awaited Blue Rail As Operation Begins Today

All is now set for the Lagos Blue Line to begin commercial operations with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and some select persons taking the first ride on Monday. 

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 commenced from Marina to Mile 2 Train Station with Sanwo-Olu taking the first ride at about 09:45 a.m.

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.

The project was conceived in 1983 by the Lateef Jakande administration. It was then flagged off in 2023 by the government of Bola Tinubu while he was the governor of the South-West state.

However, it was not until earlier this year that immediate past President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the project in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

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