By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has expanded operations on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line, increasing the number of daily trips from 90 to 94 as part of efforts to improve commuter experience and meet rising passenger demand.
The enhanced service schedule, which takes effect from June 15, will also see weekday and Saturday train operations begin at 6:00 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than the previous 6:30 a.m. departure time.
LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday.
According to him, the revised timetable is aimed at improving passenger convenience, reducing waiting times and providing more efficient transportation services for the growing number of residents relying on the rail system.
“Under the new schedule, trains will begin operations 30 minutes earlier from Monday to Saturday, enabling thousands of commuters to start their journeys ahead of peak road traffic,” Ojelabi said.
He explained that while train services would continue to end at 9:30 p.m. daily, the increase in trips is expected to ease congestion at stations and improve overall travel efficiency along the corridor.
The transport authority also announced improvements to Sunday operations, with the number of daily trips increasing from 22 to 24.
Under the revised schedule, trains will run at consistent 30-minute intervals on Sundays, providing passengers with more predictable and reliable services.
Ojelabi said the latest operational upgrade reflects the increasing popularity of the Blue Line rail service since passenger operations commenced on September 4, 2023.
According to him, the rail system has transported more than six million passengers since its launch, highlighting its growing importance in Lagos’ transportation network.
The Blue Line, one of the flagship projects under Lagos State’s rail development programme, has emerged as a key alternative to road transportation, helping commuters reduce travel time and avoid traffic congestion on major routes.
Transportation analysts say the expansion of rail services is expected to boost productivity by providing faster and more reliable mobility for workers and businesses operating within the Lagos metropolitan area.
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The increase in trip frequency also aligns with ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to strengthen public transportation infrastructure, promote mass transit adoption and reduce pressure on the city’s heavily congested road network.
With passenger numbers continuing to rise, industry stakeholders believe further investments in rail infrastructure and service expansion will play a critical role in supporting economic activity and sustainable urban development in Africa’s largest city.
