Lagos blue rail mass transit: a 40-year journey comes to fruition
On Monday, September 4, 2023, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with the citizens of Lagos and state officials, celebrated the long-awaited launch of commercial operations for the Lagos Blue Line rail system.
This new rail system is expected to serve a daily ridership of at least 250,000 people, offering significant reductions in travel time along the Mile 2-Marina corridor within the state. In a city of over 20 million residents, known for its notorious traffic jams, this development promises a brighter commuting future.
The Lagos Blue Line Rail boasts modern security features, including more than 300 CCTV cameras and command centres at all stations. It also features an independent power plant to ensure seamless train operations without interruptions.
However, this achievement did not come easily. The idea of a rapid transit system for Lagos dates back to 1983 with the Lagos Metroline network envisioned by Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the Second Nigerian Republic. Unfortunately, the initial Metroline project was cancelled in 1985, resulting in a loss of over $78 million to taxpayers.
In 2003, then-Governor Bola Tinubu breathed new life into the rail network project with a formal announcement of its construction. Initially budgeted at $135 million, the Greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project was proposed and entrusted to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). LAMATA initially focused on developing a Bus Rapid Transit system but shifted its attention to the Blue Line and the Red Line in 2008.
In September 2011, LAMATA intended to acquire subway trains from Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for the Blue and Red lines, but this plan changed, and Chinese-built trains were ordered in January 2015. These changes saw the cancellation of refurbishing 76 H5 cars in Buffalo, New York.
In August 2018, LAMATA signed an agreement with Alstom to review and revitalize the rail lines. This deal aimed to have the Blue Line ready for passenger operations by 2022, including plans for electrifying a portion of the track.
In January 2022, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the purchase of two Talgo VIII trainsets for the Red Line during a visit to Wisconsin, USA. These trains offer a unique learning technology for enhanced passenger comfort on curvy tracks.
The Blue Line, the first in the system, opened its first five stations on September 4, 2023, covering a planned route of 27 kilometers from Okokomaiko to Lagos Marina.
Key Milestones:
• 2008: Proposal for a metro in Lagos.
• 2009: Blue Line construction begins.
• 2016: Phase I (Marina to Mile 2) planned for December 2016.
• 2018: Alstom review shifts Phase I opening to 2021.
• 2021: Lagos State Government announces Blue and Red Lines will open in December 2022.
• 2022 (January): LAMATA acquires two Talgo VIII trains.
• January 24, 2023: President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurates the first phase of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail Project.
• September 4, 2023: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially opens the Blue Rail transit for public use.
After four decades of planning and challenges, the Lagos Blue Rail Mass Transit System is finally a reality, promising a smoother and more efficient commuting experience for Lagosians.
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