Over 400,000 commuters use Blue Rail Line – LAMATA

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority revealed that over 400,000 passengers have used the Blue Rail Line as of November 29.

The Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, highlighted the system’s efficiency during a press conference commemorating LAMATA’s 20th anniversary, recently.

Akinajo emphasised the seamless transition to the electric mode, maintaining 52 daily trips without delays, while plans to increase daily trips to 76 were already in consideration.

According to the LAMATA boss, despite initial challenges with the Marina to Mile 2 phase, the Blue Line has evolved into a success story since its commercial launch on September 4.

“Within these 20 years, we have developed the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan, constructed, and operationalised the 13km and 34km Oshodi Abule Egba and Ikorodu CMS BRT Corridor respectively.”

Additionally, she highlighted LAMATA’s role in facilitating the Lagos Non-Motorised Transport policy, approved by the Lagos State Government in 2019.

The LAMATA boss announced the commencement of the second phase’s construction, extending from Mile 2 to Okoko, with an expected completion date of 2027.

Akinajo stated that construction was on track, with completion expected by the end of the year and test runs scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.

According to the LAMATA boss, the test-run duration is anticipated to be significantly shorter than the Blue Line, owing to accumulated expertise.

The commercial operations on the Red Line were projected to begin before the end of the second quarter of 2024, she said.

Akinajo also emphasised the commitment of both the state government and LAMATA to deploying electric buses for commercial operations, addressing challenges in expanding the fleet.

Quadri Olaitan