Yuletide: Surge in Passengers as Free Train Service Enters Day 3

The Federal Government’s free train service, launched to ease travel during the Christmas and New Year festivities, entered its third day on Saturday, witnessing a significant increase in passenger turnout nationwide.

Free Train Initiative Details

The program, initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, began on Friday and will run until early January 2025. The initiative aims to provide relief to Nigerians facing economic challenges, offering complimentary train rides across six major corridors.

At the Idu and Kubwa train stations in Abuja, the coaches were fully occupied, highlighting the popularity of the service. However, some passengers were stranded due to their failure to book tickets online in advance, as required.

Key Insights from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)

Acting Managing Director of the NRC, Mr. Ben Iloanusi, disclosed that approximately 340,000 passengers are expected to benefit from the free rides during the festive period.

• Daily Passenger Target: Around 20,000 passengers are projected to travel daily across the six routes.
• Operational Routes:
  • Abuja-Kaduna
  • Lagos-Ibadan
  • Port Harcourt-Aba
  • Lagos Mass Transit
  • Warri-Itakpe

Guidelines for Passengers

Mr. Iloanusi emphasized the importance of adhering to boarding procedures to ensure smooth operations.

• Ticketing: Passengers with valid tickets and identification will be given priority.
• On-the-spot Profiling: For those unable to book tickets online, NRC staff will profile passengers at the stations to ensure equitable access.
• Timely Arrival: Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the station at least 45 minutes before departure.

Call for Orderliness

The NRC urged Nigerians to embrace the initiative responsibly and maintain orderliness at the stations. Mr. Iloanusi stated, “We appeal to Nigerians to enjoy this initiative in an orderly manner. Arrive at the station early, have a valid means of identification, and obey the rules.”

Impact of the Initiative

The free train service highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to easing economic pressures during the holiday season. The program not only provides affordable travel options but also fosters inclusivity and accessibility for citizens traveling to celebrate the festivities with their families.

Passengers expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that alleviates the financial burden of transportation during the holidays.