The Lagos State Government has announced that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line will from Monday, August 12, 2024, increase its number of trips from 54 to 72 per day.

In a related development, the government announced a 25 per cent discount in fare for commuters travelling within the off-peak period set at 10am and 4pm daily.

However, the current schedule for Sunday operations remained unchanged, a statement from the state Ministry of Information and Strategy made available on Saturday read.

According to the statement, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, announced the development that Blue Line train riders will now travel between Marina and Mile 2 in just about 18 minutes from the previous travel time of 25 minutes.

According to her, the implication is that there would be a train every 18 minutes both ways, thus allowing commuters to plan their trips.

Apart from this, Akinajo also announced a 25 per cent discount fare for commuters travelling within the off-peak period set at 10am and 4 pm daily.

The new train schedule is potentially expected to reduce journey times, encourage more riders to use the train system during off-peak periods and reduce transport spending. The new timetables are available on the LAMATA website, stations and social media handles, the statement noted.

It will be recalled that the Blue Rail Line commenced passenger operation on September 4, 2023, and has moved close to two million passengers. (The PUNCH)