Lagos To Transition Blue Line Rail To Electric Powered, Shut Down Services At The Weekend

The Lagos State government has disclosed plans to transition the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line to an electricity-propelled one.

This has warranted the closure of service by the rail line on Saturday and Sunday to allow for the transitioning to take place.

According to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, the partial shutdown of services was to allow a successful switch to electricity.

He explained that suspending passenger operations for this operation conformed to best global practices.

The governor said the switch to electricity will help the government introduce more trips, as well as provide value and safety to users.

Sanwo-Olu advanced that after the transition, train trips will be increased from 12 to 54 starting from Monday, with plans for 74 trips at the end of November.

He said, “Here is an important update on our metro line. Starting Monday, October 16, 2023, we’re increasing train trips on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line from 12 to 54, with plans for 74 trips by the end of November.

“To make this transition, we’ll need to shut down train services on Saturday, October 14, after the morning peak service and for the entire day on Sunday, October 15, for the switch to electricity. This momentary pause is to ensure that your safety is our top priority.

“I can assure you that suspending passenger operations is a global practice to effect major changes. This switch to electricity will help us introduce more trips and help us serve more passengers safely.

“I’m proud to say that we launched the first phase of the LRMT Blue Line on September 4, 2023, and we have moved over 80,000 passengers. Our goal is to surpass 150,000 daily passengers between Marina and Mile 2 in the coming months.

“The future of Lagos trains is bright, and I’m committed to improving your commuting experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance our public transportation system.”