Over 63,000 Passengers Benefit from President Tinubu’s Free Train Rides this Festive Season

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of free train rides has seen a substantial response, with 63,000 passengers benefiting in just seven days. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, shared this information during a media interaction session in Lagos on Thursday.

Expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s initiative, Okhiria highlighted that the free train rides cover a 15-day period, and over 63,000 passengers have already taken advantage of this offering on various routes.

Encouraging widespread participation, Okhiria urged the public to utilize the online platform, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing affordable travel options even beyond the festive period.

In response to increasing demand, Okhiria revealed that the corporation is actively working on expanding its rolling stocks, aiming to enhance the number of coaches and trips, particularly on the Lagos to Ibadan route and others.

Providing insight into the corporation’s future plans, Okhiria shared that collaborations with various organizations are underway to bolster freight operations and ensure the safety of railway tracks.

Despite facing challenges, including vandalism, Okhiria outlined progress on ongoing projects, assuring that tracks between Minna and Kaduna would be completed by the end of December. He also announced plans to commence skeletal services and train movement in the northern part of the country by January.

Addressing security concerns, Okhiria mentioned the corporation’s coordination with the military and police to overcome challenges, underscoring their commitment to completing essential tracks.

As the NRC aims to increase the turnaround time of Standard Gauge trains in 2024, Okhiria emphasized that there would be no fare increase, reiterating the government’s dedication to providing affordable and safe transportation.

In conclusion, Okhiria highlighted the government’s financial support for the ongoing free train rides, covering expenses such as fuel and security, emphasizing the significance of trains as the cheapest and safest means of transportation.