NRC manager warns commuters not to ride on roof of a train in motion

Mr Jerry Oche, District Manager, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Lagos State, has warned commuters to desist from riding on the roof of train in motion, describing the action as “suicidal.’’

He gave the warning on Sunday in Lagos while reacting to overcrowding in trains and some commuters who risk their lives by riding on the roof of a train in motion.

He urged such commuters to demand for refund of their fare when the train they are about to board is fully loaded.

“Riding on the roof of a train in motion is suicidal and no one has justification to climb on the roof of a train in motion,’’ he said.

Oche said that the corporation does not encourage such action, adding that NRC had made several efforts to stop the menace in its Mass Transit Train Service (MTTS).

He said, “If you have bought a ticket before the arrival of the train and you discover it is already full, you have the right to demand for refund.

“That is the best thing a passenger should do if he has bought his ticket.

“If anyone falls off from a train in motion, if he does not end up between the wheels and the track, such a person will be maimed,’’ he said.

The manager noted that if Lagos district had more coaches, it would meet the needs of the teeming commuters that patronise its services daily.

He said that the corporation was making efforts to refurbish some of its old coaches.