The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured residents that train rides will be affordable and accessible ahead of the completion of the red line rail project of the government, as the regular fare would be between N200-N300 per trip.
This is as he has disclosed that the 2 new high-speed trains recently purchased by his administration will be on track latest by the fourth quarter of this year.
The assurance was given by Sanwo-Olu on Friday during an interview on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily, as he was highlighting his administration’s efforts at tackling the gridlock on roads across the state.
What the Lagos State Governor is saying
Sanwo-Olu, while speaking on the take-off of train service said, ‘’The trains will be on track by the fourth quarter; the terminal stations will be ready by the fourth quarter. Lagosians will be actively moving with trains by the fourth quarter of this year. If we don’t bring passengers on, it will be for security reasons.’’
On the affordability of train rides, the governor stated,
“We believe that the cost will come down significantly for the citizens (residents). It is not going to be in thousands … certainly, it is nothing close to that. So, you will still be in your regular N200, N300 per journey and that is what we are looking at.
“I do not think that they will be breaking their banks. I assure you it will be very affordable and accessible … the fare structure will be (determined by) where you are joining and hopping off, but typically it will not be more than what you are running on your regular BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lines today.
“For it to be accessible, affordability is really critical for people to want to make it a better option. Yes, you can say now it is quicker, instead of you staying one hour on the road, it is going to take you 20 minutes, 25 minutes.’’
What you should know about the Lagos train project
- Recall that on Wednesday last week, the Lagos State Government announced the acquisition of 2 new sets of 10 cars Talgo 330kmph trains for its Red Line rail project as part of efforts to improve traffic management and transportation in the state.
- Also on Wednesday, January 26, Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Ojota-Opebi Link bridge and approach roads, said that the state government has acquired 3 more trains for the Blue Line rail project.
- The governor completed the acquisition deal of the 2 new speed trains on January 18 at an event held inside the Milwaukee facilities of Spanish train manufacturer, Talgo Incorporated in the United States.
- He had informed the audience at the event that the trains would be heading to Lagos for the 37km track rail project expected to have 11 stations and be the first operational metro system in West Africa when completed.