Nigerian Railway Corporation, on Wednesday, advised passengers willing to travel during the yuletide to obtain their free tickets online.
The Corporation in a statement by its management, stated that tickets will not be issued at any of its Corporation’s train stations.
It further stated that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.
The statement read, “In line with Mr. President’s directive, the General Public may note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will commence free train service on its entire Passengers’ services from Thursday 21st December 2023 to Thursday 4th January 2024, both days inclusive.
“Passengers are advised to obtain their free tickets via the online e-ticketing platforms only.
“Tickets will not be issued at any of the Corporation’s Train Stations.
“Please note that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.
“We enjoin commuters to be orderly, obey security personnel and the laid down boarding instructions of the NRC and those of its officials while at the station and on-board the trains.”
However, a source in the Ministry of Transportation said the directive by the President may lead to stampede.
He argued that inadequate time to prepare for the implementation of the directive could lead to the stampede and confusion.
He also added that some passengers who had purchased their tickets online prior to the directive may have to contend with those willing to travel free of charge.
He however said staff of the ministry and concerned agency were working out modalities to ensure hitch-free travel for interested passengers.
He said: “I need to be frank with you at this point as a realist, naturally there will be hitches with this directive considering that there is no much time for preparation before implementation commences but we at the ministry are working out modalities to ensure the order by the president is carried out effectively.
“We must also bear in mind that some people have bought their tickets online prior to this directive. So, passengers who have bought tickets online may clash with those who want to travel free of charge and it may lead to stampede.
He added: “For the train ride, it will be on four designated route. The routes are; Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe and Ido-Ijoko.”
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