Brussels, 21/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 20 January, the European Investment Bank (EIB) granted a loan of 600 million euros to STIF, the public transport authority in the greater Paris area, Île-de-France, to renew and update the rolling stock currently in service on the regional network.
The aim of the project is to give the Île-de-France region modern, attractive and efficient rolling stock, sustainably responding to the travel needs of local residents. This is an ambitious project, with a total cost estimated in excess of 2 billion euros, with 50% funded by STIF and 50% by the SNCF. The EIB funding, of a total of 600 million euros, will permit the following: - the acquisition of 172 Franciliens (NAT-type electric motor coaches) and 24 AGC (Autorails grande capacité); - refurbishing double-level trains used on the RER C and D (Z2N).
In a press release, the EIB states that this project will help to increase the capacity of the rail network, whilst considerably improving reliability and speed, and passenger comfort: "By offering quality services, people will be encouraged to use public transport more, which will reduce the impact of urban transport on the environment and help to fight climate change". In the view of Philippe de Fontaine Vive, president of the EIB, this first operation between the Bank and STIF "illustrates Europe's support for sustainable urban transport". (O.L./trans.fl)