The Lagos State Government has introduced a 25% fare reduction on the Blue Line Rail during off-peak hours, effective August 12, 2024. This fare discount applies to travel between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and is part of broader efforts to improve public transportation in the state.
In addition to the fare reduction, the travel time between Marina and Mile 2 will be cut down to just 18 minutes, a significant improvement from the previous 25-minute journey. Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), made the announcement through LAMATA’s X handle on Saturday.
Akinajo highlighted that the shorter travel time means a train will be available every 18 minutes in both directions, allowing commuters to plan their journeys more effectively. Starting Monday, August 12, the number of daily trips on the Blue Line will also increase from 54 to 72, while the current Sunday schedule will remain unchanged.
“The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will increase daily trips from 54 to 72 starting August 12, 2024, while Sunday operations will remain the same,” Akinajo stated. She further explained that Blue Line riders will now be able to travel between Marina and Mile 2 in just 18 minutes, with trains running every 18 minutes to facilitate smoother commutes. The 25% discount during off-peak hours aims to encourage more usage of the service and reduce transportation costs.
The updated train schedule, which is expected to reduce journey times and boost usage during off-peak periods, is now available on the LAMATA website, at stations, and on LAMATA’s social media platforms.
Since its launch on September 4, 2023, the Blue Line has successfully transported nearly two million passengers. The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, a 27-kilometer urban rail route connecting Marina and Okokomaiko, was constructed in phases. The first 13-kilometer phase, from Marina to Mile 2, includes five stations: Mile 2, Suru-Alaba, Orile Iganmu, National Theatre, and Marina.
Powered by its own power plant, the Blue Line began operations on September 4, 2023. By January 4, 2024, it had transported 583,000 passengers, which was below the state government’s target of 150,000 daily riders. However, recent figures show that ridership has more than doubled, with nearly two million passengers transported in just over six months. The second phase, expected to be completed by 2027, is being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Credit: Nairametrics (Text Excluding Headline)
