Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, joined fellow Lagosians and state officials in celebrating the opening of the 13 kilometer long-ride.
The long-awaited commencement date, which had been postponed multiple times, is expected ease the burden that riders face in the state of 20 million people. Lagos has become synonymous with chaotic and often frustrating traffic congestions.
Temitope Omololu-Runsewe, a local resident was one of the passengers who had the opportunity to ride on the train. She said the ride "was a very smooth experience."
"It was very short, it was very smooth as well, everything was organized and there was, I like it, it was very organized actually," she said.
The rail system is projected to serve a daily ridership of at least 250,000 individuals, bringing substantial reductions in travel time along the Mile 2-Marina corridor within the state.
The Blue Rail Line project was conceived as an innovative mode of intra-city commuting, with the specific aim of transitioning the state away from its heavy reliance on a single transportation mode, for which it has been known.
The first phase of the network, Phase I of the Blue Line, was originally slated for completion in 2011, but construction has faced numerous delays due to funding shortages and changes in government leadership.
Joseph Akinpelu, rail track engineer said the commencement of the rail line is "a good dawn for transportation in Lagos State."
"The inaugural ride of the Blue Line train operation, it's been fantastic. It’s been a journey and we are happy that it’s been concluded in a wonderful way today," he said.
"So, basically, we can say it’s a good time for Lagosians, it’s a wonderful time for travelers, and it’s a good dawn for transportation in Lagos State."
Upon full completion, the entire 27km Blue Line is expected to transport approximately 500,000 passengers daily, further alleviating the transportation challenges faced by Lagosians.
Anthony Okwor, a commuter and said the rail system will help boost the local economy and ‘’improve the livelihood of the people.
"Because we spend a lot of time in traffic, and with this, in less than 10 minutes, we are here crossing all the…bypassing all the traffic," he said.
"So, it’s going to be a major booster to Lagos economy and to the health, improve the lives of Lagosians."
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