The Lagos Blue Line Rail is officially open for business, and the inaugural ride took place with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu leading the way.
The first phase of this rail project extends from Marina to Mile 2, featuring five key stations: Marina, National Theatre, Iganmu, Alaba, and Orile.
The much-anticipated operations began from Marina, reaching Mile 2 Train Station, where Governor Sanwo-Olu took the very first ride at approximately 09:45 a.m.
During the initial month, the train will run a limited number of 12 trips using the locomotive system.
However, as part of its expansion plans, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) will soon introduce electric-powered train services, operating a total of 76 trips.
With a daily schedule from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., the system anticipates accommodating between 150,000 to 175,000 passengers.
Despite quick 90-second stops at each station, the state government’s transport palliative measures will be felt in the train services, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey for commuters.
The Blue Line Rail project, conceived in 1983 during the administration of Lateef Jakande, was flagged off by then-Governor Bola Tinubu in 2023.
However, it’s only this year that the project has become a reality, marking a significant milestone in Lagos’s transportation infrastructure.