A surge in human traffic overwhelmed train stations in Lagos and Abuja on Thursday, following the announcement by the Federal Government of complimentary train rides for passengers in celebration of the Yuletide season.
President Bola Tinubu further endorsed a 50% discount on inter-state road travel, effective from December 21 to January 4, 2024. Additionally, two inter-state transport companies collaborated with the government, reducing their fares as part of the arrangement.
Our reporters at the Mobolaji Johnson stations in Lagos and Abuja confirmed the unprecedented situation where a train designed for 648 passengers experienced an overflow, leading to individuals standing without seats. Although standing passengers are not a common sight at the station, the heightened traffic caused this unusual scenario. Station officials informed us that a similar situation is anticipated during Friday's commute.
The train service connecting Lagos to Abeokuta and Ibadan operates twice daily, departing at 8 am and 4 pm. For those heading to Kajola, the evening service train departs at 6:30 pm. Despite successful online ticket bookings, not all passengers could board the train to Ibadan and Abeokuta due to the overwhelming crowd.
Before President Tinubu's announcement, train fares from Lagos to Ibadan were N3,600 for economy class, N6,500 for business class, and N9,000 for first class. A security officer advised passengers planning to travel the next day to arrive by 6:30 am to cope with the expected large number of people.
Some passengers, arriving as early as 7 am, faced challenges navigating the massive crowd. A ticketing officer revealed that the e-ticketing platform experienced glitches due to the high traffic, preventing many passengers from successfully booking tickets.
Disappointed passengers who failed to secure online tickets left the train station, expressing frustration. Kudirat, unable to book a ticket, shared her ordeal, stating, "I have been here since noon, and the stress I've gone through today with my baby is too much." Another passenger voiced similar concerns, expressing difficulty booking online despite the supposed free service.
