Lagos State Government Prioritizes Rail Safety and Expansion for Better Commutes
In an exciting development for Lagos residents, the Lagos Blue Line rail is gearing up for full operations on fully electric-powered tracks starting Monday. The Lagos State Government, committed to enhancing the public transportation system, has issued a crucial warning to ensure the safety and efficiency of this new rail service.
Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, emphasized the need for residents to stay clear of the rail tracks to prevent potential fatal consequences. As the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) continues its testing and simulation of fully electric tracks for the #BlueLineRail, ensuring the safety of both commuters and rail infrastructure is a top priority.
In addition to this safety announcement, LAMATA disclosed a significant increase in train trips, from 12 to 52, starting on Monday, October 16, 2023. The agency further revealed plans to elevate the service to 74 trips before the end of November 2023, making it an increasingly accessible and reliable mode of transportation.
Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, expressed that these developments would be possible once the tracks are fully energized, allowing for the deployment of additional train sets for daily passenger operations. To ensure a seamless transition to fully-energized rails, passenger operations will only run during peak periods on Saturday morning. There will be no service on Saturday afternoon and the entire Sunday, October 15, 2023, to facilitate the complete switch over to electricity.
The testing and simulation of fully electric tracks are currently underway, marking an important milestone in the enhancement of Lagos’ transportation infrastructure. The Lagos State Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation options for its residents.
