Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced a significant 50 percent reduction in fares on the state’s Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line service for Thursday, September 4, 2025. This decision, conveyed in statements issued on Wednesday via his social media accounts, commemorates the second anniversary of the Blue Line’s commercial operations, which officially commenced on September 4, 2023, along the Marina–Mile 2 corridor. The governor encouraged residents, especially those who have not yet experienced the service, to take advantage of the discount and explore what has been built.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the remarkable progress and success achieved since the Blue Line’s inauguration. In just two years, the rail service has safely conveyed over five million passengers without recording a single accident, underscoring its commitment to safety and efficiency. He noted that trains now operate at 10-minute intervals, completing over 90 trips daily, transforming once long and stressful journeys into faster and more convenient commutes. The governor emphasized that the Blue Line project is a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication, collective effort, and the public's trust and belief in a greater Lagos.

The state government is actively pursuing further expansion of the rail infrastructure to enhance mobility across Lagos. In June, Governor Sanwo-Olu unveiled three new sets of coaches for the Blue Line at the National Arts Theatre Station. These four-car sets, imported from China by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) in partnership with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), are designed to significantly expand the line’s capacity and improve journey times. The governor acknowledged the crucial financial backing from the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, which facilitated the purchase of this additional rolling stock, calling it a testament to the effectiveness of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The additional coaches are expected to bolster reliability, reduce travel times, and ensure trains arrive at stations every 10 minutes, especially during peak periods. Furthermore, construction on the second phase of the Blue Line, extending from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is well underway, with visible progress on stations and tracks. Sanwo-Olu also confirmed that a new set of larger trains will soon be delivered for the Red Line, which connects Agbado in Ogun State to Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland, to accommodate higher passenger traffic.

The impact on commuters has been substantial since the Blue Line’s launch. According to Mr. Sanwo-Olu, it has transported nearly five million passengers. In August 2024, LAMATA increased daily trips from 54 to 72, which reduced the travel time between Marina and Mile 2 from 30 minutes to a mere 18 minutes. Abimbola Akinajo, managing director of LAMATA, announced at the time that the new schedule allowed trains to arrive every 18 minutes and introduced a 25 percent fare discount for off-peak travel between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. She affirmed that updated timetables are readily available on LAMATA’s website, social media channels, and at all stations. These strategic initiatives, including the upcoming expansion and current discounts, are designed to further reduce journey times, encourage more riders, and lower transportation costs for Lagos residents.