THE Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has apologised to commuters following reports and social media footage showing passenger discomfort on its Oyingbo-Agbado train service due to technical issues affecting the air conditioning system.
  The agency acknowledged the incident and expressed regret over the heat and inconvenience experienced during the journey, adding that it has commenced immediate repairs on the affected rolling stock.
  
LAMATA disclosed that, as part of its long-term strategy to enhance capacity, comfort and service reliability, additional rolling stock is expected to be delivered and operationalised by the third quarter of 2026.
  According to the agency, the new acquisition will comprise three train sets, each with eight coaches, bringing the total to 24 coaches to strengthen the existing fleet and improve the passenger experience across the Red Line corridor.
  
In a statement, the Head of Corporate Communication, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, said: “In the immediate term, our technical and engineering teams have been deployed to diagnose and resolve the root cause of the cooling system failure. Restoration works are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to return the affected coaches to optimal operating condition as swiftly as possible. LAMATA remains firmly committed to delivering safe, efficient, and world-class rail services.”
  LAMATA assured residents that it would continue to take proactive measures to minimise technical disruptions and improve overall service quality.
  
“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of the public as we complete these essential repairs. The comfort, safety, and well-being of all passengers remain central to our operations,” Ojelabi added.
  Meanwhile, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has commended LAMATA for its prompt response and continued interventions in support of persons with disabilities in the state.
  
Speaking during a visit to LAMATA’s headquarters in Ojota, Lagos, she praised the facilities provided to ensure inclusion in its buses and trains.
  Oyetunde-Lawal suggested the establishment of dedicated Disability Support Offices within major transport hubs to assist persons with disabilities in navigating the system.
  
According to her, such offices would provide designated spaces where persons with disabilities can lodge complaints, seek directions and receive assistance when necessary.
  She also offered LASODA’s support in translating information displayed on LAMATA’s trains and buses into sign language to ensure accessibility for all.
  
The Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, assured the delegation of the agency’s commitment to ensuring high customer satisfaction for all commuters, regardless of disability.
  She noted that the Blue Line rail system is fully accessible to persons with various forms of disabilities and urged them to report any cases of abuse or discrimination to uniformed LAMATA officials whenever their rights are violated while using the agency’s transport services.