The Lagos State Government has officially announced its plans to temporarily suspend train services on the newly inaugurated Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line for a brief period.
This suspension is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, and is primarily intended to facilitate the transition from locomotive-powered operations to electric power.
The decision to briefly close the Blue Rail Line is part of a strategic effort to significantly increase the number of train trips, thereby enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the rail system. Starting on Monday, October 16, 2023, the train trips on the Blue Line are set to rise from the current 12 to an impressive total of 54. Additionally, there are ambitious plans to further boost the number of daily trips to 74 by the end of November.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced this development through his official communication channels, particularly his former Twitter account, where he stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of all passengers during this transition period.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the temporary suspension of passenger operations is not only a local practice but also a global one when effecting major changes in transportation systems. The shift to electric-powered operations holds the promise of introducing more trips and accommodating a higher number of passengers, all while ensuring their safety.
In his statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated:
“Dear Lagosians, 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.”
These developments underline the commitment of the Lagos State Government to improving the efficiency and quality of its public transportation system. The launch of the first phase of the LRMT Blue Line on September 4, 2023, has already facilitated the movement of over 80,000 passengers. The ambitious goal is to surpass 150,000 daily passengers traveling between Marina and Mile 2 in the near future. The switch to electric power represents a significant step toward achieving this goal and ensuring a brighter future for Lagos’ transportation infrastructure.
As the Lagos State Government moves forward with these enhancements, commuters and residents of Lagos can anticipate a more efficient and accessible public transportation system. The temporary suspension of train services serves as a necessary step in this journey toward a brighter future for the city’s trains, all while ensuring the utmost safety and satisfaction of its passengers. Stay tuned for more updates as the transformation of Lagos’ public transportation system continues.
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