Yuletide: FG Declares Free Passenger Train Rides, Lagos Offers Free BRT Ride On Christmas And New Year Days

 

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation has in the spirit of Christmas declared passenger trains across the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) system free of charge during the period.

According to a communique from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), this gesture is to enable Nigerians travel and celebrate Christmas.

The spokesman for the corporation, Yakub Mahmood, said passengers trains on both standard and narrow gauge lines, which include Abuja to Kaduna, Lagos to Ibadan, Warri to Itakpe, Kano to Lagos, Minna to Kaduna, Abba to Port Harcourt routes are now all free from today Friday 24th December 2021 to Tuesday 4th January 2022 inclusive.

The NRC also pointed out that all valued customers must be complied with but not paid, while COVID-19 protocols also must be strictly observed on board.

While wishing all Nigerians a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year, the corporation appealed to them to use the Federal Government’s kind gesture to pray for the country.

Meanwhile, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved free BRT rides for Lagosians, in celebration of the festive period.

In a statement by Kolawole Ojelabi, the spokesperson of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Lagosians are to get the free rides on Christmas and New Year days.

“Free bus commuter services would be offered to Lagosians on the Ikorodu to TBS, Oshodi to Abule Egba and Lagos Badagry Expressway BRT corridors on both days,” Mr Ojelabi said in the statement.

The Managing Director of LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, said the free commuter bus services were being offered to Lagosians in the spirit of joy, love and peace which the season of Christmas signifies.

“Mr Governor is convinced that the best way to end the year and begin a new one is with hope, having faced many hardships during 2021. Lagosians must therefore enter the New Year, which promises to change and improve commuter experience, in comfort,” she said.

Mrs Akinajo also said the state governor has assured the commencement of passenger operations on the first two phases of the state’s rail lines – Blue and Red lines in the state.

“He (governor) has demonstrated this commitment to the completion of both rail lines by sourcing funds for their completion and provision of rolling stock. What is therefore expected of us is to support him so that we are able to realise his vision,” Mrs. Akinajo said.

She urged those that will be taking advantage of the free rides to observe all extant Covid-19 safety rules and travel safe.