Lagos Metro Line Update: Switch To Electricity Introduces More Trips – Gov. Sanwo-olu

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_o6ryVtXOQ&t=16s

Babajide Sanwo-olu

Governor, Lagos State

Lagos Rail Mass Transit is a rapid transit system in Lagos State. The rail system is managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The railway equipment including electric power, signals, rolling stock, and fare collection equipment will be provided by the private sector under a concession contract. LAMATA is responsible for policy direction, regulation, and infrastructure for the network.

The first section of the network, Phase I of the Blue Line, was originally planned to be completed in 2011, though the construction has suffered many delays caused by shortage of funds and change of government.

In February 2021, the Lagos State Government announced that the Blue and Red Lines would be open by December 2022 but Blue Line opened on September 4, 2023.

Timeline

2008: A metro is proposed for Lagos, allegedly with a completion date of 2011.

2009: Construction commences on the Blue Line.

2016: Phase I (the Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2) planned to open in December 2016.

2018: After an Alstom review of the project, Phase I (the Blue Line from Marina to Mile 2) is now set to open in 2021.

2021: The Lagos State Government announced that the Blue and Red Lines will open in December 2022.

2022, January: LAMATA purchases two Talgo VIII trains.

On Jan 24, 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the first phase of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail Project.

On September 4, 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu officially opened the Blue Rail transit for public use.