The governor noted that the anniversary fare reduction seeks to motivate more Lagos residents to try the Blue Line, a system engineered to deliver efficient service to the public.
On Wednesday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed a 50% fare reduction on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line, effective Thursday, marking the project’s second anniversary. In a statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu reflected on the project’s milestones, including the safe transportation of over five million passengers and the improved frequency of trains, now running every ten minutes, with over 90 trips daily.
The governor stated that the reduced fare for the anniversary aims to motivate more Lagos residents to use the Blue Line, which he depicted as a system constructed to provide efficient public transportation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu unveiled three new sets of coaches for the Blue Line at the National Arts Theatre Station in June, imported from China by LAMATA in partnership with CCECC. Each set consists of four cars, designed to expand the line’s capacity and improve journey times. The governor acknowledged federal support from President Bola Tinubu, noting that it facilitated the purchase of additional rolling stock. ‘This expansion, backed financially by the Federal Government, demonstrates the effectiveness of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ he said. He stated that the additional coaches are expected to improve reliability, reduce travel times, and allow trains to arrive at stations every 10 minutes during peak periods.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that a new set of larger trains will be delivered to the Red Line, which spans from Agbado in Ogun State to Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland, to accommodate a higher volume of passengers. The second phase of the Blue Line, extending from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is presently under construction, with noticeable progress on stations and tracks.
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According to Mr. Sanwo-Olu, the Blue Line has transported nearly five million passengers since its official launch on 4 September 2023.
As of August 2024, LAMATA increased daily trips from 54 to 72, thereby decreasing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from 30 minutes to 18 minutes. Abimbola Akinajo, managing director of LAMATA, explained that the new schedule permits trains to arrive every 18 minutes and implemented a 25 percent fare discount for off-peak travel between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Furthermore, updated timetables can be accessed on LAMATA’s website, social media channels, and at stations, she pointed out. “The new schedule is expected to reduce journey times, encourage more riders, and lower transportation costs,” Mrs Akinajo commented.
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