The European Commission approved the granting of 34 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund for the expansion of the Piraeus tramway.

According to an EU Commission announcement, the project entails the expansion of the network from Neo Faliro to Piraeus, a 5.35 klm route with 13 stops. After the completion of the project 169 permanent jobs will be created.

The implementation of the project started in January 2013 and will be concluded at the end of 2015.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said this project was a good example of how regional funds’ resources can help Greece return to a recovery and growth track.

The project will contribute to the improvement of transport in the city of Piraeus under viable and environment-friendly conditions so as to make the wider region even more attractive to investors, he added.