The Lagos State Government’s launch of the Blue Line rail’s first phase in September 2023 marked a significant step towards modernising public transport in the metropolis.
Spanning 14 kilometers from Marina to Mile 2 and equipped with five stations – Lagos Marina, National Theatre, Orile Iganmu, Suru Alaba, Mile 2 – the line was designed to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and improve the overall commuting experience for Lagosians.
Nearly two years on, with more than two million passengers transported, the Blue Line appears to be living up to expectations.
A trader in Lagos Island, Michelle Ani, switched from the popular yellow danfo buses to the Blue Line in 2024. Ani lives in Ago and has a shop at Mandilas in Balogun market.
Despite having to often stand during transit, especially during rush hour periods, Ani said the Blue Line has improved his commuting experience.
“Although it costs just N700 to use buses and about N1000 for the rail when you factor in the connecting bus from the terminal to my shop, I prefer the Blue Line because of the comfort and air conditioning,” Ani told Ikeja Record.
Speed versus cost
The trade-off between speed and cost is a key factor for many passengers. At its launch, the fare from Mile 2 to Marina was N350. Today, that figure has more than doubled to N750, making the rail a pricier option than buses. Yet, for commuters who spoke to Ikeja Record, the time saved and comfort offered justify the higher cost.
A civil servant, Joy Igididi, who regularly commutes between the mainland and her office on the island, told Ikeja Record she takes the train whenever she has assignments on both sides of the city.
“I have been using the rail since last year, and it is very convenient for me,” Igididi said.
A nurse who lives in Alaba International, Chidimma Uchenna, switched to boarding the Blue Line two months ago and said she has cut down her commute time significantly.
“I took it one night, and I got home early enough to surprise my family, who were used to me being stuck in traffic,” Uchenna said.
However, Uchenna said rush hour can be overwhelming. “I am always scared I might get pushed into the space close to the tracks while boarding because of how people rush in,” she said.
Rush-hour strain
Rush-hour remains a major challenge. Commuters from the mainland often crowd the trains between 6:30am and 12pm, while the evening rush from the island back to the mainland usually peaks between 4pm and 7:30pm.
To avoid this, Uchenna has adapted her schedule, preferring to take the train from the island to the mainland in the morning or early afternoon when crowds are lighter.
In August 2024, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) increased daily trips on the Blue Line from 54 to 72. This means commuters wait less time at stations.
Earlier this month, LAMATA’s managing director, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, announced plans to reduce train headway to 10 minutes, and eventually to five minutes with the arrival of new train coaches.
Operational improvements
On the maintenance front, the Blue Line scores well. Ikeja Record’s recent ride on the rail revealed clean carriages and stations, reflecting a commitment to upkeep despite high passenger volumes.
Recent upgrades include self-service ticketing machines at terminals to reduce queuing, emergency intercom buttons, and bilingual stop announcements in English and Yoruba. The terminals also house shops like Medplus Pharmacy and Krispy Kreme at Marina, though the Mile 2 station lags behind with just a pharmacy.
For security, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) officials patrol the trains.
Also, caution stickers prohibiting food, drinks, and smoking are now written in both English and Yoruba.
The terminals are also accessible for people living with disabilities. The entrances have wide open doors, leveled grounds, and working escalators,accommodating wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges.
However, one notable oversight is the lack of seating in the waiting areas at stations, a critical concern for elderly passengers and people living with disabilities. ✚