Residents of Lagos State are to enjoy free train services with the commencement of the trial of the 13 km Lagos Blue Light Train constructed by the Lagos State Government.
. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) stated this while flagging off the trial on Monday in Lagos.
The trial, scheduled to last for two months will be carried out thrice weekly, having started from the marina to Mile 2.
“The test run is open for Lagosians from all walks of life to board the train and have a feel of its comfort.
“Market men and women, artisans, students, members of the media, and other professionals are being invited to enjoy the free train ride.
“Any Nigerian who wishes to join the free train ride should send their email address to LAMATA to enable us to book them for the free ride within the week,” Akinajo said.
She said that the state government is also expecting feedback from the residents to enable it to make changes as appropriate.
On the capacity and movement schedule of the newly launched train service, Akinajo said that the train will be able to commute nearly 250,000 passengers daily.
“For the first phase, the Blue Light train will be able to carry between 200,000 to 250,000 passengers daily based on the availability of rolling stock.
”Right now, the government has purchased three rolling stocks, while another six may be purchased when the second phase is completed by the government.
“Operations would run from 5.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. The system is designed to run a train in three minutes.
”During rush hours we will pull more trains, while during off-peak periods we would pull off the operation,” Akinajo said.
She added that the state government was planning to schedule a train position to run every three minutes.
