Helsinki metro project aimed at boosting air quality

Developers in Finland have received a loan of €250 million (£217 million), which will be used to upgrade the metro and bus systems in Helsinki.

It is hoped the regeneration will have a positive impact on air quality in the metropolis, as the maximum capacity of the public transport services will be increased to encourage more citizens to leave their cars at home.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided the loan and it is keen to see an improvement in Helsinki's air monitoring results.

Work on the project will start this year and it should be finished in time to transport some of the capital's 573,000 population by 2016.

"We are pleased to support this important project which will help reduce road transport emissions, thereby contributing to EU climate action objectives," commented EIB vice president for Finland Wilhelm Molterer.

The United Nations recently praised the metro system in Delhi for its positive contribution to driving down carbon emissions in India.

Posted by Lauren Steadman