LAGOS LIGHT BLUE RAIL COMMENCES WORK 04-09-23 By: Sadiq Aminu The Lagos Blue Light Rail, on Monday, began commercial operation from Marina, Lagos Island to Mile Two in Amuwo Odofin.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the train service at its Marina Station and was joined by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, other dignitaries, and some students on the ride.
The idea of an intra city rail for Lagos State was mooted in 1983 by the Lateef Jakande administration, but it suffered a setback with the coup of December 31 of that year. President Bola Tinubu revisited the plan in 2003 before he completed his two-term as governor of Lagos State, and successive government had kept the project going.
Announcing the commencement of the train service, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu invited Lagos residents to use the new transportation service to improve their travel experience. He urged commuters to be patient and follow all safety measures on the platforms and onboard the train.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the effort of President Tinubu in keeping the rail transportation dream alive. The governor assured Lagos residents that the red line of the train service would be inaugurated before the year ran out with the project at ninety-five percent completion.
Passengers on board the inaugural commercial blue light train commended the Lagos State government for the project, describing the journey as pleasurable due to the cozy interior of the terminals, coaches, and the short travel time.
Some passengers urged the Lagos State Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the operators of the train service to ensure crowd control in its daily operations.
The blue light rail is expected to have twelve trips per day, while the number will increase as more passengers embrace the service.