LAGOS ADDS THREE MORE TRAIN SET TO BLUE LINE LRMT

LAGOS ADDS THREE MORE TRAIN SET TO BLUE LINE LRMT 

By Michael Peters

These are exciting times in Lagos as the government has added three new train sets of 12 coaches for the Lagos Blue Line project.

The Governor launched the brand new coaches, on June 8, at the National Arts Theatre Station where he put on record President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued support for the landmark project.

The coaches were imported from China Rail Development Corporation (CRDC) by the Lagos State Government. Each set has four cars – in line with the operational standards of the Blue Line.

The coaches will expand the capacity of the Blue Line Mass Transit Train. Once the new coaches are put on the tracks, passengers will see reduction in journey time and turnaround, Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

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

According to the Governor, the state has continued to immensely benefit from the President’s financial support to state governments following the fuel subsidy removal.

“President Tinubu’s intervention has encouraged sub nationals to pursue initiatives that would help bring about an alternative mode of transportation in addressing cost of living.

“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 the 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.

According to him: “We have commissioned and formally handed over to LAMATA and CCECC, three sets of train cars. Each set has four coaches, which is the standard operating procedure of the Blue Line rail. With the new set 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 frequency of 2turnaround time.

“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 disclosed that the Federal Government extensively supported Lagos financially in the procurement of these additional rolling stocks.

The governor also disclosed that the state will take delivery of three new set of trains for the Red Line to double its carrying capacity on the line which operates between Agbado, in Ogun State and Ebute-Metta, in Lagos Mainland.

The Governor said coaches for the Red Line would be twice the size of the Blue Line due to passengers’ traffic.

He also disclosed that construction of the second phase of the Blue Line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko is on course, noting that the stations and tracks are already coming out in shape.

The first phase of the Blue Line of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) project, was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023. It officially commenced commercial operation on September 4, 2023, after a period of testing.

In one year, the Blue Line has carried 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.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Increased Capacity:

The new coaches will essentially double the carrying capacity of the Blue Line.

Faster and More Frequent Service:

This will lead to shorter travel times, reduced waiting periods at stations, and a more reliable train schedule for commuters.

Country of Manufacture:

The electric train set and coaches were manufactured and imported from China by the Lagos State Government and handed over to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

Flagship Rail Mass Transit:

The Blue Line is part of Lagos’ larger rail network, aiming to modernize urban transportation and address traffic congestion.

Support from Federal Government:

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the crucial financial support from the Federal Government, particularly after the removal of fuel subsidy, which has empowered subnational governments to invest in sustainable transport solutions.

Second Phase of the Blue Line:

The new coaches will also support the ongoing second phase of the Blue Line project, which aims to extend the route from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

Inauguration:

The Lagos State Governor had on Sunday, December 22, 2022 inaugurated the Blue Line in a ceremony which signified the completion of civil works of the project. The event took place at the National Arts Theatre Station.