Train Passengers expressed concerns as management of Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC) yesterday increased inter-State Passenger train fares from a flat rate of N460.00 to N700.00 per passenger from Kajola/Ijoko in Ogun State to Iddo in Lagos State and back. LEADERSHIP reports.
Although no official reason was given for the increase in passenger fares on the narrow gauge Lagos mass transit train service at the time of filling this report, a reliable source hinted that the increase was necessitated due to an increase in the price of diesel and the cost of running the trains.Information Guide Nigeria
When our correspondent visited the Agbado railway station in Ogun state yesterday morning, passengers were seen grumbling and talking in hushed voices about the increase.
Investigation exclusively carried out shows that the new price increase of N700 was reflected on the tickets issued to passengers, representing a difference of N240 from the former cost of N460.JAMB Result
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It was gathered that the notice of the increase had since been posted on the passenger/management platform on WhatsApp, but not pasted on the notice board at the railway stations as was the case in the past.
While some passengers were taken aback by the increase and simply went back home, the majority who got a hint of the increase earlier, reluctantly purchased the ticket.
One of the passengers interviewed, Mr. Olawale Johnson said, the increase was too astronomical, adding that, the increase should have been minimized to about N500.
He decried that with the new increase, a return journey from Ijoko to Agege will now be N1,400 as against N1,000 by road.JAMB Portal
Another passenger, Mrs. Joy Akpasa opined that the railway is supposed to be a social service operated at a subsidized rate for the masses but that the reverse is the case as the cost of public and commercial bus transport are at par.NYSC Portal
The railway district manager, Engr. Augustine Arase did not reply to a text message sent to him, to explain the rationale for the increase in the cost of train tickets on the Ijoko/Kajola to Iddo narrow gauge railway corridor.
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