CEM REPORT, TRANSPORTATION | Lagos State Government has commenced the test running of the 13-kilometre Lagos Blue Line train service.
The exercise would last between 2 to 3 months, to enable Lagos residents to enjoy the free ride before commencing the full rail operation in April.
This is according the Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, at the commencement of the test running in Lagos on Monday from Marina to Mile 2.
He stated that the test running would be carried out 3 times a week over the next 2 months adding that all through the test period all rides are free.
“The test run is open for Lagosians from all walks of life to board the train and have a feel of its comfort.
“Market men and women, artisans, students, members of the media, and other professionals are being invited to enjoy the free train ride.
“Any Nigerian who wishes to join the free train ride should send their email address to LAMATA to enable us to book them for the free ride within the week.’’
She noted that the train operations would run from 5.30 am to 11 pm daily.
Akinajo said the automatic processing unit could process 250 passengers every minute, adding that the schedule was to have a train position to run every 3 minutes.
She said, “For the first phase, the Blue Light train will be able to carry between 200,000 to 250,000 passengers daily based on the availability of rolling stock.
”Right now, the government has purchased three rolling stocks, while another six may be purchased when the government completes the second phase.
“The system is designed to run a train in three minutes.
”During rush hours we will pull more trains, while during off-peak periods we would pull off the operation.’’
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She said that the government was still working on the template that would make the train affordable to the people, based on the current situation in the country.
The LAMATA boss said that the fare had not been set by the government, adding that when it eventually did, the government would ensure it reflected the prevailing circumstances and was affordable, and friendly for residents.
Recall that the Blue rail line,l as part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, will run 27.5 km from Marina to Okokomaiko, with 13 stations and an end-to-end journey time of 35 minutes. The entire Blue Line will operate over a secure and exclusive right-of-way, with no level crossings and no uncontrolled access by pedestrians or vehicles.
