Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support towards the procurement of three brand new sets of coaches for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line.
EpeInsights reports that the event took place at the iconic National Arts Theatre Station, where the Governor unveiled the landmark project, promising a faster, smoother and more reliable commute for residents.
“These new coaches mean we’re doubling the capacity of the Blue Line,” Sanwo-Olu announced.
“That translates to shorter wait times, reduced travel durations, and an overall better train experience for Lagosians.”
Each train set, imported from China by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) in collaboration with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), includes four cars, aligned with the Blue Line’s standard operation procedures.
Backed by the Presidency
The Governor was quick to highlight President Tinubu’s pivotal role in making the expansion possible.
Following the removal of fuel subsidies, Sanwo-Olu said the Federal Government had stepped in to support sub-national governments like Lagos, encouraging them to invest in sustainable alternatives to road travel.
“We’re seeing the impact of that support today,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“These new coaches are part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action. His financial backing made this expansion possible.”
The Governor noted that the added capacity will not only boost the efficiency of the Blue Line but also make train arrivals more predictable.
With the upgrade, passengers can expect trains to arrive every 10 minutes—a major win for intracity commuters.
Red Rail Line Also Set for Expansion
Sanwo-Olu also shared more good news: Lagos is expecting new coaches for the Red Line soon.
The Red Line which connects Agbado in Ogun State to Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland will get larger coaches to cater to its heavier passenger traffic.
He noted that the Blue Line’s growth isn’t stopping here.
Construction of the second phase, which extends from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is well underway.
“Stations are springing up, and the tracks are shaping up nicely,” the governor said.
Blue Rail Line by the Numbers
Since its inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023 and its official launch in September of the same year, the Blue Line has carried over two million passengers.
By August 2024, daily trips increased from 54 to 72, slashing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from 30 minutes to just 18.
Sanwo-Olu summed it up best: “Rail transport has truly come to stay in Lagos.”
As the city continues to grow, the expansion of its rail system represents a clear commitment to easing urban mobility and improving the quality of life for millions of commuters.
The journey ahead looks promising and faster.
