By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos Rail Mass Transit, LRMT, Blue Line, will, today, clock one year of high resilience and hitch-free passenger operations, moving about two million passengers in the process.

The Blue Line infrastructure completion was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2023.

It went through a time of testing before passenger operations were flagged off by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on September 4, 2023.

The Blue Line, which is powered by electricity, is the first of its kind in the West African sub-region.

Reflecting on the one year of Blue Line operations, the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, said the State Government was thrilled with the safety trajectory of the rail line, saying, “we have been able to activate the vision of Mr. Governor for intermodal integrated transport.

“On this momentous occasion, we reflect on the significant impact this transformative project has had on Lagos and its residents,” Akinajo added.

The Blue Line connects residents from Marina to Mile 2, providing a reliable and efficient transportation option. Commuters, including white-collar workers, entrepreneurs, students, and tourists, have embraced the rail system, contributing to the growth of the state’s economy.

“Over the past year, the Blue Line has served an impressive two million passengers without significant disruptions. In August 2024, we increased the daily frequency of trips from 54 to 72, reducing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from about 30 to 18 minutes.

“As we look ahead, LAMATA remains dedicated to expanding our rail network and improving the overall transportation experience in Lagos. We are grateful for the continued support of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led-administration, our partners, and the people of Lagos,” Akinajo added.