With high resilience and hitch-free passenger operations, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line turned one year in passenger operations on Wednesday, moving about two million passengers.
The Blue Line infrastructure completion was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023. It went through a period of testing before passenger operations were flagged off by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on September 4, 2023. The Blue Line, which is powered by electricity, is the first of its kind in the West African sub-region.
Reflecting on the one year of operations, the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, said the state government was thrilled with the safety trajectory of the rail line, saying: “We have been able to activate the vision of Mr. Governor for intermodal integrated transport.
“On this momentous occasion, we reflect on the significant impact this transformative project has had on Lagos and its residents,” Akinajo added.
In a statement by Head, Corporate Communications, Kolawole Ojelabi, the Blue Line connects Lagosians from Marina to Mile 2, providing a reliable and efficient transportation option. Commuters, including white-collar workers, entrepreneurs, students, and tourists, have embraced the rail system, contributing to the growth of the state’s economy.
Ojelabi said over the past year, the Blue Line has served an impressive two million passengers without significant disruptions.
“In August 2024, we increased the daily frequency of trips from 54 to 72, reducing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from about 30 to 18 minutes.”
“The success of the Blue Line has garnered international attention, attracting interest from potential investors in future rail infrastructure projects in Lagos. This milestone underscores our commitment to providing world-class transportation solutions for our citizens.
