Sanwo-Olu praises Tinubu’s support as Lagos unveils new Blue Line Train Coaches
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Sanwo-Olu explained, “Journeys that previously took about 20 minutes could now be completed in half that time. The doubling of capacity ensures a more predictable, reliable, and comfortable travel experience.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed profound appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support towards the expansion of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, unveiling three new sets of train coaches to enhance commuter experience.
The new coaches were officially launched on Sunday at the National Arts Theatre Station, marking a significant milestone in Lagos’ transportation development. Imported from China through a collaboration between the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), each train set comprises four cars, adhering to the Blue Line’s operational standards.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted that these additional coaches would substantially increase the Blue Line’s capacity, promising faster journeys and more frequent services for Lagosians.
He noted that the support from President Tinubu has been instrumental, particularly in light of the subsidy removal, empowering sub-national governments to implement innovative transport solutions aimed at mitigating the rising cost of living.
“The funding and expansion of the Blue Line capacity represent a bold initiative made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision. About a year and a half ago, the President recognized and supported sub-national efforts under his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He added that the President’s financial backing for procuring the additional rolling stock is a testament to the agenda’s success, especially in Lagos.
With the new coaches, the Blue Line’s operational efficiency will improve significantly, enabling a reduction in journey times and increasing train frequency to potentially every ten minutes — a vital improvement for urban transit.
Sanwo-Olu explained, “Journeys that previously took about 20 minutes could now be completed in half that time. The doubling of capacity ensures a more predictable, reliable, and comfortable travel experience.”
Further, the Governor revealed plans for an equivalent upgrade to the Red Line, which connects Agbado in Ogun State to Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland. The Red Line coaches will be larger to accommodate higher passenger volumes.
On the progress of the Blue Line’s second phase, extending from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, Sanwo-Olu confirmed that construction is advancing steadily, with stations and tracks taking shape, underscoring rail transport’s growing permanence in Lagos’ commuter infrastructure.
The Lagos Blue Line, inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023, officially commenced passenger services on September 4, 2023.
In just over a year, it has transported more than two million passengers, with trip frequencies increased from 54 to 72 daily as of August 2024, reducing travel times between Marina and Mile 2 from approximately 30 to 18 minutes.
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