The new Lagos-Ibadan train service - My review

On the 28th of December, I had to be at Ibadan, so I decided to try out the new Lagos-Ibadan train service which began operation on December 9, 2020. 

Upon arrival at the Yaba train station, it was quite easy to purchase a ticket on-site and thereafter proceed to the waiting train to take a seat as allocated. I was required to wear our masks before I could purchase tickets or board the train. 

The tickets went for:

Regular - ?2500

Business-class  - ?5000

First-class - ?6000

Stepping into the train, you could be sure the air conditioners were working perfectly. The seats and interior of the train were quite comfortable and you had a rack above you to keep your luggage. The train windows had curtains which could be closed to prevent sunrays on sunny days. There were also power sockets at the side of the seats with USB charging ports, which is quite commendable. The seats at the centre of each coach had a table for people who need a table to work or make use of a table while in transit.  

I boarded business class for my return and noticed the business class and first-class coaches have an armrest with their seats and a little kitchen where passengers can get water to drink or prepare some coffee. The backrest of the seats was equally a little bit adjustable. All the coaches had a dedicated toilet and a little wash hand basin for persons who just needed to wash their hands or faces.

The trains move at exactly 4 pm from Lagos and 8 am from Ibadan on weekdays. The train was quite slow, but this was quite intentional because road users need to be well aware that the rails are in active use before the speed can be increased so as to forestall disasters. The journey from Lagos to Ibadan and back were both about 2hrs 40 minutes with a 5-minute stopover at Abeokuta. I must say I enjoyed the journey and would probably be bidding the Lagos-Ibadan expressway goodbye.

I had a little conversation with some of their staff and one of the managers who boarded the train and I was blown away by their level of enthusiasm and excitement in ensuring we had a remarkable experience. I was more encouraged by the efforts of one of the female managers to ensure passengers the staff understood what it meant to provide quality service.

While the train service is not some major achievement because it is long overdue for a project that was kickstarted as far back as 2006, and is still not close to completion, I must say it is some level of development and a result of some form of political will.

As much as I have given credence to these efforts, I am fully aware of our bad maintenance culture and lack of sustenance for public infrastructure, however, I strongly believe that is where our responsibilities lie as intelligent active citizens. It behoves on us to monitor and demand the adequate maintenance of these facilities. I believe if we have the right leaders in this institution, we would see the desired results. 

Do try out the train sometime soon and let me know what you think.

Cheers to a greater Nigeria!

#LevelUpYourLeadership #Leadership #Nigeria #Youth #2021