The Lagos State Government has announced a brief interruption in the operations of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line. According to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, this suspension will be in effect on Saturday after the morning peak service and will continue throughout the day on Sunday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, clarified that this two-day service interruption is essential to facilitate a substantial increase in the number of train trips, from the current 12 to an impressive 54. The overarching goal is to reach 74 trips by the end of November.
This temporary shutdown will facilitate the transition to electricity and enhance passenger safety. Governor Sanwo-Olu explained, “Suspending passenger operations is a global practice to implement major changes. The shift to electricity will enable us to introduce more trips and, most importantly, ensure the safety of our passengers.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his pride in the successful launch of the first phase of the LRMT Blue Line on September 4, 2023, which has already served over 80,000 passengers. He set an ambitious target of exceeding 150,000 daily passengers between Marina and Mile 2 in the coming months.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reassured the public, stating, “The future of Lagos trains is bright, and I am fully committed to enhancing your commuting experience. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to improve our public transportation system.”
This temporary service suspension marks a significant step toward the enhancement and expansion of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, promising a brighter future for public transportation in Lagos.