Rio, 12/24/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Brazilian Development Bank (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social) (BNDES) is going to provide a total of R$494 million for the second stage of an integrated urban passenger transportation system (Sistema Integrado de Transporte Urbano de Passageiros) in São Paulo.

The financing will cover approximately half of the cost of the system, estimated at R$935 million.

When it is completed the system will shorten travel time, reduce the number of buses in circulation and increase security for both passengers and pedestrians. (AB)