27/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending €40.5 million to the Greater Municipality of Antalya for the construction of an 11 km light railway line in the city. The EIB funds will finance the construction of the first section of Antalya's rail-based urban transit system which will consist of a total 43 km network forming part of the Antalya Transport Master Plan. With 16 stops, the new section will link the north-western parts of the city to the centre along the main dual carriageway ( Antalya Boulevard), serving residential districts and the main bus station. The line will continue to the Old Town pedestrian area, providing an interchange with the tourist tramway. The route will then turn towards the airport and terminate at a temporary terminus and modal interchange at Meydan. The EIB underlines the fact that the new train line will have positive implications in terms of increased quality of urban life, protection of the environment, and improved transport safety and public mobility. It will partly replace the transport currently provided by numerous buses, mini-buses and taxis, so contributing to the alleviation of existing and future traffic congestion. (ol)