The Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Abimbola Akinajo, said the State Government had commenced the test running of the 13 km Lagos Blue Line Rail Service train.
Akinajo disclosed this at the commencement of the test running in Lagos on Monday from Marina to Mile 2.
She said that the exercise would last between two to three months, to enable Lagos residents to enjoy the free ride before commencing the full rail operation in April.
Akinajo said the test running would be carried out three times a week over the next two months.
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“The test run is open for Lagosians from all walks of life to board the train and have a feel of its comfort.
“Market men and women, artisans, students, members of the media, and other professionals are being invited to enjoy the free train ride.
“Any Nigerian who wishes to join the free train ride should send their email address to LAMATA to enable us to book them for the free ride within the week,” Akinajo said.
According to her, rail transport is not a direct bus system; there are a lot of things that are involved.
“We must ensure we put them in top shape before we begin commercial operation.”
She said that the authority expected feedback from all categories of people such as traders and students during the test run before starting the commercial operation.
The LAMATA boss said the automatic processing unit could process 250 passengers every minute, adding that the schedule was to have a train position to run every three minutes.
Akinajo said that the capacity of the train would continue to be met by the government, based on the surge in demand.
“For the first phase, the Blue Light train will be able to carry between 200,000 to 250,000 passengers daily based on the availability of rolling stock.
”Right now, the government has purchased three rolling stocks, while another six may be purchased when the second phase is completed by the government.
“Operations would run from 5.30 a.m. to 11pm every day. The system is designed to run a train in three minutes.
”During rush hours we will pull more trains, while during off-peak periods, we would pull off the operation,” Akinajo said.
She said that the government was still working on the template that would make the train affordable to the people, based on the current situation in the country. (NAN)
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