THIS MONTH is due to see the selection of a preferred option for an initial 10 km north - south metro line in the Slovak capital Bratislava. Construction of the line from Janíkov Dvor to Trnavske Moto via Suché Moto and the main station is expected to start next year for opening in 2004.
In 1991 Bratislava city council approved plans for a 7 km automated VAL line along the same route, worked by 22 trains. However, the DM1·6bn cost was deemed too high and the agreement with Matra Transport was never ratified. Sicne that time the council’s metro office has been preparing a range of alternative schemes, which were presented to the council for discussion last month.
