The free train service launched by the federal government to alleviate the rising cost of transportation has kicked off across Nigeria, but has been marred by significant challenges, including delays, overcrowding, and chaotic boarding processes.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) was instructed by the federal government to offer these free train rides across the country as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
The service, which started this week, covers popular routes like Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Lagos-Ogun Mass Transit, with an estimated 340,000 passengers expected to benefit before early January 2025.
While the initiative was widely embraced, several reports indicated that it has been plagued by disruptions.
At Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna, passengers reported overcrowding and confusion.
Despite booking tickets online, many found themselves stuck in unorganized crowds with no clear guidance on how to board.
“We arrived early, but there was no guarantee that we would get on,” said one frustrated traveler.
“It’s supposed to be free, but there’s no order here. It’s a complete mess.”
Many people believed that, because the ride was free, they could board without a ticket or reservation, contributing to further chaos at the station.
The boarding process became even more complicated at the security check, where passengers were asked for identification and tickets.
With the station overcrowded, some passengers struggled to find space to sit. One mother, holding her two-month-old baby, described how she had to climb through a window to get air for her child due to the stifling conditions.
Inside the train, confusion over assigned seating persisted. Some passengers claimed seats, while others argued that since the service was free, there were no assigned seats.
Additionally, those who missed the morning train were advised to wait for a 5 p.m. service, though there was no guarantee of getting a seat.
Despite these issues, many travelers still expressed gratitude for the free rides.
Fatima Adam, who traveled with her family to visit a friend in Abuja, said, “The free service was really helpful, and we had a smooth ride with no transportation expenses.”
Chukwu Egugolu, another passenger, praised the train service, emphasizing that it made travel more accessible for people who cannot afford expensive air travel.
In Lagos, passengers at the Babatunde Raji Fashola Train Station in Agege faced difficulties securing tickets online for the Lagos-Ibadan route. Many had to wait in long queues for the train to arrive from Mobolaji Johnson Train Station.
However, Lagos Railway District Manager, Engr. Augustine Arisa, stated that despite some challenges, the service between Lagos and Ibadan had been running smoothly, with high passenger turnout.
Meanwhile, in Warri, Delta State, the Ujevwu-Warri train service has been experiencing significant disruptions due to technical breakdowns.
Passengers have been stranded for days, particularly affecting workers and holiday travelers.
A source revealed that the service, which typically operates with two trains, had been reduced to only one, resulting in long delays and inconvenience for commuters.
The acting Managing Director of the NRC, Ben Iloanusi, has assured passengers that for those unable to secure tickets online, NRC staff will assist in profiling passengers at the stations to ensure fair access to the trains.
The free train service, which operates across six major routes, including Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, and Warri-Itakpe, is expected to continue despite the operational challenges.
