SWEDEN: Stockholm Transport authority SL has expanded its plans for a light rail line in the centre of the capital.

Expressions of interest were invited in 2007 for a BOT concession of at least 15 years covering a line linking Djurgården, Norrmalmstorg and the Central station. This would incorporate an existing tourist line operated with heritage trams.

SL has now expanded its plans to include extensions north from Djurgårdsbron to Ropsten and Hjorthagen via Värtahamnen, and west from Central station to the Lindhagen via Fridhemsplan.

Tenders are invited by April 30 2009, the concession is expected to be signed in autumn 2009, and services could begin in the second half of 2011.