Passengers on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line have expressed their dissatisfaction with the service, citing issues such as ticket racketeering, overcrowding, and significant delays. Reports indicate that many were left standing for over three and a half hours on a journey that typically lasts two hours. Incidents of train attendants pouring water on malfunctioning equipment, resulting in power outages and loss of lighting in coaches, have further exacerbated the already grim travel experience.

The concerns raised are particularly troubling given that the rail service was introduced to provide a safer alternative to the dangerous conditions along the Abuja-Kaduna highway. However, the reality faced by passengers has left them frustrated and disappointed. A notable passenger, Mr. Solomon Abiona, shared that his issues began days before traveling due to the difficulty of purchasing tickets, revealing a deeper systemic problem within the rail service operations.

Overall, these distressing experiences highlight a pressing need for improvements in the Nigerian rail system. With safety being of paramount concern for travelers on this route, the combination of operational failures, overcrowding, and inadequate services poses significant implications for public confidence in using rail transport as a viable alternative to road travel, particularly amid ongoing security concerns in the region.