Lagos Blue Line Rail Boosts Service To 90 Daily Trips, Cutting Commutes To 10 Minutes.
The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line is set to transform daily commuting with an increase to 90 weekday trips starting Monday, 11 August 2025, reducing travel time between Marina and Mile 2 to just 10 minutes. This upgrade, announced by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), marks an eight-minute reduction in journey time, offering commuters a faster, more efficient travel option in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.
The enhanced schedule means trains will run every 10 minutes during peak hours, a significant improvement from the previous 72 daily trips. Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, LAMATA’s Managing Director, explained that the change aims to ease transport challenges for Lagos residents, allowing better journey planning and reduced waiting times. The Blue Line, which spans a 13-kilometre stretch from Marina to Mile 2, has already transported over two million passengers since its launch in September 2023, underscoring its vital role in the city’s transport network.
This development follows the recent arrival of three new train sets, comprising 12 coaches, as confirmed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in June 2025. The additional trains are expected to boost capacity and support the planned extension of the Blue Line to Okokomaiko by 2026, a 14-kilometre stretch that is already over 30% complete. The project, part of Lagos State’s broader urban mobility strategy, includes the construction of three major bridges, with the Satellite Bridge at 75% completion.
To further enhance affordability, LAMATA has introduced a 25% fare discount for off-peak travel between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, encouraging commuters to travel outside rush hours. This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion and make the service more accessible to a wider range of passengers.
Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the upgrade as a milestone in improving Lagos’s public transport system, stating, “This is about building a city where connectivity drives economic growth and improves quality of life.” Social media posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users praising the reduced travel times and potential benefits for productivity and health, noting that road journeys between Marina and Mile 2 once took over two hours during peak periods.
Despite challenges, including a reported fire incident near Eko Bridge in 2025, the Blue Line continues to gain momentum as a cornerstone of Lagos’s transport infrastructure. With plans to extend the line further and integrate it with other rail projects, such as the Green Line connecting Marina to Lekki, the state government is committed to transforming urban mobility for its growing population.
As Lagos prepares for this next phase of rail expansion, commuters can look forward to shorter, more reliable journeys, marking a significant step towards a more connected and efficient city.
