It's finally operational. Phase 1 of the Blue Rail Line metro began commercial operation in Lagos State, the economic capital of Nigeria. The start was given on Monday, September 4, 2023 by the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
This mass transport system allows you to travel a 13 km route and 5 stations connecting the Marina to the Mile 2 city, in 15 minutes compared to an hour previously. The metro will be able to transport 170,000 passengers per day to reach 5 million passengers at the end of phase 2 of the rail project which will take shape, according to the authorities before the end of this year. One of the advantages is that it runs on electrical energy.
“With a 50% discount on all public transport fares with the Cowry Card, we are ensuring that the people of Lagos can move freely in search of economic and leisure activities. The Blue Rail Line is one of the rail projects designed to make Lagos a fully interconnected city and will transform our city’s transportation system. We remain committed to transforming all areas of our great state,” the Governor said.
Construction work on the line, carried out by the Chinese company China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), cost $1.4 billion.
According to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a security system of 300 video surveillance cameras has been installed in the metros as well as in the control centers of all stations. For two weeks, the train will make 12 trips per day to gradually expand the rotation to 76 daily trips.
According to the public transport management company Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), this railway section will make travel easier, affordable and faster for the people.
Blaise EHLINVI
Source : https://letrafic.com
Le Trafic (BENIN)
