THE commissioning of two Diesel Multiple Units, DMUs and six 68-seater passenger coaches, all air-conditioned, acquired by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) from China, last month has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders. The coaches targeted at the elites and middle class were commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan
The commissioning apparently caused the NRC to increase fares payable for train rides from N150 to N230 for general ride, while First Class ride was increased from N500 to N750. This decision caused travelers to disrupt activities of the NRC on the day the new fares were to become effective as passengers at Itoki, Opo Suuru, Ijoko, Alagbado train stations protested against the hike by burning tyres on the rail tracks.
While the protesters applauded the upgrade of the new passenger coaches they were totally against any increment.
Globally, rail transportation is considered the cheapest and arguably the safest means of transport.
Also, it’s convenience explains why it enjoys patronage from different classes of people.
NRC’s Managing Director, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, said the new railway vehicles meant to be deployed for mass transit train services, are expected to increase the number of passengers moved by railway in Lagos from the current 16,000 to 22,000 daily.
Sijuwade added that the six air-conditioned coaches, each with 68 passengers capacity would be deployed as first class coaches on long distance intercity train services, starting with Lagos to Kano service.

Heavy locomotives

“These DMUs will free up a number of our heavy locomotives currently being used for passenger services, which can then be redeployed to pull freight wagons. This configuration eliminates shunting at terminal stations, thereby reducing delays and journey time,’’ he stated.
For Olanrewaju Abisoye who resides in Alagbado, Lagos ; “When the government wants more patronage, it has to take note of the lower class. There is no need for us to deceive ourselves, poverty in this country is alarming.
“Majority of the people are poor. We cannot hide it. If the price of boarding a train is exorbitant, the few rich people being targeted will never increase general patronage.’’
Okwudili Nzube lives in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, on Lagos Island. According to him; “Even if you have not traveled outside Nigeria, we all watch the television and we are connected through the internet to know that there is always a price tag on goods and services.
“The NRC has brought those state-of-the-art coaches for the middle class and the elites so that all of us could use the train. Why then are people protesting? I will pay for what is good whenever I see it.
Uzezi Samuelson lives it Sululere. He said of the development; “The major problem facing Nigeria is maintenance. Right from independence till now. How can you expect us to pay such a high amount for train which is suppose to be at the reach of the common man? This government does not consider several factors which is sad.
Ibrahim Mumuni lives at Mile 2. He said; “I will pay any amount for good services. Why do Nigerians expect government to provide everything for them? Some people feel that the government should even marry wives for them, cloth and breast feed their babies! For any thing to thrive, there has to be financial implications.’’

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