TheCable

The Lagos state Blue Line rail system has just commenced commercial operations.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, officials, and other residents joined the inaugural train ride from Marina to Mile 2.

The train commenced the trip from Marina train station to Mile 2 around 9:13am on Monday.

During the trip, the train had brief stops at the national theatre in Iganmu and Alaba, to allow some of the passengers alight.

The train arrived at the Mile 2 station at 9:35am.

At the Mile 2 station, the governor and some passengers returned with the train to Marina.

Addressing journalists after the trip, Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and other stakeholders for the completion of the project.

The Lagos governor said the cowry card, an e-payment system used by all bus rapid transit (BRT), will serve as the means of payment for the train.

BACKGROUND

In January, former President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the first phase of the blue line rail project in Lagos.

Prior to the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu launched a test run of the project designed to run from Mile 2 (on the mainland) to Marina (on the island).

In June, LAMATA announced that the blue line would be open for passenger operations in August 2023.

Take-off date was later postponed to September 4.

Below are photos.