Brussels, 15/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 15 February, the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Werner Hoyer, signed an agreement with Stockholm County Council for the development of the Red metro line. Thanks to the loan: the existing signalling system will be replaced with communications-based train control; - modern trains will be purchased and rolling stock upgraded; - a new underground depot in Norsborg will be constructed and the existing Nyboda depot will be upgraded to enable servicing of the new rolling stock. The project will improve the level of service of public transport by increasing the capacity of the Stockholm metro. It will thus contribute to maintaining the competitiveness and attractiveness of public transport, avoiding a modal transfer towards private cars, in particular.
During their visit to Stockholm, Hoyer and EIB Vice President Jonathan Taylor were to meet Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Finance Minister Anders Borg, and European Affairs Minister Birgitta Ohlsson. (OL/transl.jl)