CPCS, strategic transport partner to LAMATA for 20+ years

CPCS

April 9, 2025

Since 2003, CPCS and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) have been partners for smart and sustainable urban transit development.

In Lagos, our long-standing collaboration with LAMATA brought to life the Blue Line Rail, a plan for restructuring the city’s bus industry, and a solution for turning waste into biofuel for greener transit, among other impactful improvements.

Summary

LAMATA has been trusting CPCS for more than 20 years, and together, we have set new standards for infrastructure development in Africa.
The Blue Line Rail is a project close to CPCS’s heart as our firm supported its development from inception to implementation. In 2023, the Blue Line Rail came to life — a 13-kilometer metro service offering thousands of Lagosians a faster, more reliable way to move across Lagos.
Since 2024, the development of a biogas value chain project for LAMATA is among the latest initiatives CPCS is supporting in Nigeria.
Services that CPCS has provided to LAMATA over the years have ranged from conceptual designs and feasibility studies to operational support and integration strategies for urban rail, marine, and bus transit.

Partners for better transit in Lagos

Engineer Abimbola Akinajo, LAMATA’s Managing Director and CEO

“CPCS has been a valued strategic partner in LAMATA’s journey to redefine public transportation in Lagos.” Akinajo says that CPCS has been “crucial in developing policies, frameworks, and forward-thinking solutions that empower us to provide world-class, sustainable, and accessible mobility. Their support has been instrumental in advancing key infrastructure projects, ensuring Lagos continues to set the pace in urban mobility transformation.”

Managing Director, LAMATA

George Kaulbeck, CPCS Partner and Senior Transportation Advisor

“Africa could benefit from more success stories like LAMATA. It stands as a shining example of how well-planned rail and urban transit development positively impacts both people and the economy. By connecting individuals to goods, businesses, jobs, healthcare, or education, it highlights the universal advantages of improved transportation infrastructure.”

20 years and counting of support to LAMATA

CPCS and LAMATA have tackled complex challenges and celebrated groundbreaking achievements, such as the Blue Line Rail, first metro rail service in Lagos. Looking ahead, CPCS and LAMATA remain committed to strengthening and delivering innovations in other areas such as bus transport, inland waterways, and many more.

Our successful collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority began in 2003 when CPCS rose to the occasion through a competitive process, quickly becoming a trusted partner to the transport authority in reimagining and enhancing the city’s urban transit system.

2005 (Rail)

Feasibility assessment and conceptual design of the Red Line

2007 – 2010 (Rail)

Feasibility assessment, preliminary design, and transaction advisory on the Blue Line

2011 (Rail)

Inspected proposed Blue Line trainsets

2011 – 2013 (Rail)

Supervision of Detailed Design of the Blue Line

2017 – 2019 (Marine)

Feasibility assessment of water transport in the Lagos Metropolitan Area (LMA) to help alleviate traffic congestion

2018 – 2019 (Bus)

Feasibility assessment and conceptual of a mega bus terminal

2020 – 2022 (Rail)

Feasibility study, conceptual design, and prioritization of the Green, Orange, Yellow, and Purple Line LRTs

2022 (Rail)

Update of Blue Line feasibility assessment and support for next phase of development

2023 – 2025 (Bus)

Restructuring the existing bus industry, development and implementation of a new business model for incorporating existing bus operators and their routes into future QBCs

2024 (Bus)

Feasibility study and implementation plan for biofuel-powered high-capacity buses in Lagos State

2025 (Bus)

Operational design and business models (ODBM) of Quality Bus Corridors (QBC) & Interchanges

CPCS is Africa’s trusted urban transit advisor

CPCS advises urban transit authorities, governments, international lenders & donors and private operators globally on improving public transportation systems. Our expertise spans across urban rail, marine, road and bus transit modes, offering end-to-end support from planning and feasibility studies to operations and integration strategies.

Rail

We specialize in the planning, design, and modernization of metro, light rail, and commuter rail systems. Our experience includes developing transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies and improving multi-modal connectivity to ensure seamless passenger experiences and optimized network performance.

Marine

Water taxis and ferry systems present innovative solutions for cities with rivers, lakes, and coastal access. CPCS supports clients in planning and optimizing these services, integrating them into broader transit networks, and enhancing accessibility for urban populations while alleviating road congestion.

Bus

We assist cities with the development and expansion of high-capacity bus networks and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems. Our services include operational efficiency improvements, institutional and governance support, and green transit strategies, such as bus fleet electrification, to promote environmentally sustainable public transportation.

Road

We have advised national governments, development finance institutions and private organizations with conceptualization and implementation plans for the modernisation or development of brownfield and greenfield road infrastructure. Our services include feasibility assessment, demand and traffic forecasts, toll and non-toll revenue assessment, and transaction advisory. We have supported our clients reach commercial and financial close on several road projects in the region.

Revitalizing, reorganizing and realizing: 40 years and counting

CPCS entered the international scene by supporting African railways with their infrastructure and operational challenges. Over several decades, we have helped governments and railways revitalize and reorganize their existing rail operations while enabling African railways to realize their visions for new rail lines. Through our continued presence across Africa, we have acquired detailed knowledge of the existing rail infrastructure in place today.

CPCS: Better infrastructure solutions. Better lives.