By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

The first phase of the 27-kilometre rail line to run from  Okokomaiko– Marina (Blue Line)  project is scheduled to commence operation this year Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, has assured.

Lagos Light Rail is a light rail system being developed in Lagos, Nigeria. The system (the first modern rail-based public transport in Sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa) is being sponsored by LAMATA and is envisioned to consist eventually of seven lines.

The railway equipment including electric power, signaling, rolling stock, and fare collection equipment will be provided by the private sector under a Concession Contract. LAMATA is responsible for policy direction, regulation, and infrastructure for the network. The concessionaire has been mandated to generate its own dedicated electricity.

History

The idea of developing rapid transit in Lagos dates from the 1980s with the Lagos Metroline network conceived by the Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the Nigerian Second Republic. The initial Metroline project was scrapped in 1985 by Muhammadu Buhari at a loss of over $78 million to the Lagos tax payers.

*File photo

The idea was revived by Governor Bola Tinubu in the early 2000s with a formal announcement of its construction in December 2003. This initial $135 million proposal was part of the greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project to be implemented by the newly established LAMATA.

LAMATA initially concentrated on developing a Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, system, running from Mile 12 to Lagos Island. In 2008, LAMATA began also to make progress with the rail project, focusing initially on the Blue Line and the Red Line.

In September 2011, LAMATA announced that it would be acquiring the older H5 and H6 series subway cars from public transit operator, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which are being decommissioned to make way for the TTC’s new articulated Toronto Rocket series subway cars that are being introduced.

They are slated to be refurbished and converted to operate on international gauge in the United States before being put into service on the new Lagos Light Rail’s Blue and Red lines.[7][8]

Confirming this to Megacityspotlight, the External Publicity Manager, Mr. kolawole Ojelabi, the first phase would run from National Art Theatre to Mile-2 and would stop at Iganmu and Alaba stations before terminating service at Mile 2.

Ojelabi, said when fully operational the rail system is expected to move more than 400000 passengers daily.

“The project is delivered on PPP basis. The Lagos State Government is funding the cost of providing infrastructure while the private sector will provide the rolling stock, operation and management.

“The operator is expected to generate its electricity. The rail project will run the third rail line for powering the engines since they are electric multiple unit (EMU).” He stated.