El-zionNews

Sanwo-Olu Praises Tinubu for Backing Blue Line Project

EL-ZION NEWS   

Lagos residents can expect an improved rail experience as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled three new train sets for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line.

The unveiling took place on Sunday at the National Arts Theatre Station, where the Governor acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s vital support for the significant infrastructure project.

The new train sets, each consisting of four coaches, were brought in from China through a partnership between the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). These new additions align with the Blue Line’s operational specifications.

Once deployed, the new coaches will increase the Blue Line’s capacity, resulting in reduced travel times and improved service frequency.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos has greatly benefited from President Tinubu’s backing of state-level initiatives, especially in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.

According to the Governor, Tinubu’s support has motivated state governments to invest in alternative transportation systems to alleviate the rising 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.”

He further highlighted the benefits of Tinubu’s intervention: “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 noted that the new coaches would result in more efficient and dependable rail service.

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 also confirmed substantial financial support from the Federal Government in acquiring the new coaches.

He added that Lagos will soon receive a fresh set of trains for the Red Line, which runs between Agbado in Ogun State and Ebute Metta in central Lagos. These new Red Line coaches will be larger than those on the Blue Line, to accommodate greater passenger demand.

Sanwo-Olu also reported progress on the second phase of the Blue Line, extending from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, noting that both station construction and track laying are well underway.

“This goes to show that rail transportation as means of commuting has come to stay in Lagos,” he stated.

The Blue Line, which is the first phase of the city’s rail network, was officially inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023, and began commercial operations on September 4, 2023.

In under a year, it has transported over two million commuters. In August 2024, daily trips were increased from 54 to 72, cutting travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from roughly 30 minutes to 18.