Riding on the train, especially between Iddo, Apapa in Lagos and Agbado-Ijoko axis in Ogun State is like embarking on a suicide mission. The exception is the ‘executive’ train, which is comfortable. It is modern in design and sitting arrangement.
The passengers, mostly middle class executives, also ride in the comfort of air-condition. It is regarded as office away from office. The drawback, however, is that it is regarded as too expensive for the majority of those who ride train.
For instance, a ride from Agbado to Lagos is N750. Hence, the train is usually empty. But the mostly patronised is the traditional locomotive-styled train. With N150, a passenger can ‘enjoy’ a ride to Lagos Island or Apapa, as the case may be. But, that is where the good story ends. It is hell on rail. It is used mostly by traders going daily to Idumota, Balogun, Ebute Ero, Ebute Meta and other major markets in Lagos.
Others are low income earners. Maybe because it is cheap, it is usually over-loaded, which is probably an understatement. Many of the times, there is hardly any space for a needle to stand, especially when it goes to Lagos in the morning or during its return journey in the night. Its most distinguishing feature is the way passengers hang on every available space, including the staircases while the roof is not left out. It has always being an accident waiting to happen.
So, it was not unexpected when two persons reportedly lost their lives as two trains collided at the popular Pen Cinema railway crossing at Agege, Lagos on Sunday August 16. This came barely a week after a train and trailer collided at the same spot, leaving five persons dead and injuring others. Witnesses said that the victims of Sunday accident were hanging on the rooftop of one of the trains.
Read More http://newtelegraphonline.com/train-ride-suicide-mission-possible/
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