Brussels, 21/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has increased its support for the extension of the Athens metro by €150 million. The agreement on the new credit facility signed on Thursday 17 June concerns mainly the design, construction and commissioning of the extensions of lines 2 and 3, and also the acquisition of trains. The metro line 3 extension, 4.3 km long with three new stations extending from Monastiraki to Egaleo was inaugurated in May 2007. Line 3 continues to be expanded with the construction and commissioning of three new stations, while the next 1.4 kilometres of the above line towards Haidari with one new station is already at an advanced stage in construction. The line 2 extension project to Elliniko will provide the Athens metro network with a further 5.5 km of underground track and 4 new stations (Ilioupoli, Alimos, Argyproupoli, Elliniko). The extension to Anthoupoli will further expand Line 2 with the addition of 1.5 km of track and 2 stations. The Athens metro is supported jointly by the Structural Funds and the EIB, as it meets the European Union's objective to assist urban renewal and environmental protection. Total EIB financing for the Athens metro since 1994 stands at €1.5 billion. The EIB says that the project will make a significant contribution to improvement of the quality of life in Athens, by alleviating traffic congestion and providing a cleaner and quicker alternative to cars and buses. (O.L./transl.rt)