Metro systems have revolutionized urban transportation, providing efficient, reliable, and rapid transit options for millions of people worldwide. Among these, the world’s oldest metro systems stand as monumental achievements in engineering and urban planning.
These pioneering networks not only transformed their respective cities but also laid the groundwork for future developments in public transportation. This guide explores the top 8 oldest metro systems globally, each with its unique history and contributions to urban mobility.
Top 8 Oldest Metro Systems
Here are the world’s top 8 oldest metro systems:
- London Underground (The Tube), United Kingdom – It began with the Metropolitan Railway, running between Paddington and Farringdon. The network now spans 11 lines, serving 270 stations, and covers approximately 250 miles of track. It has become an iconic part of London, symbolized by its roundel logo and the phrase “Mind the gap.”
- Opened: January 10, 1863
- Notable Fact: The world’s first underground railway system, originally powered by steam.
Oldest Metro Systems
2. Budapest Metro, Hungary – The M1 line, also known as the Millennium Underground Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It runs from Vorosmarty Square to Mexikoi ut, serving historic and central parts of Budapest. The metro system now includes four lines, catering to millions of passengers annually.
- Opened: May 2, 1896
- Notable Fact: The first electrified underground railway system in continental Europe, inaugurated during the millennium celebrations of Hungary.
3. Glasgow Subway, Scotland – The original cable-hauled system was electrified in 1935. The Subway is affectionately known as “The Clockwork Orange” due to its circular route and orange livery. It has 15 stations and a single circular line, making it unique among metro systems.
- Opened: December 14, 1896
- Notable Fact: One of the world’s oldest underground metro systems still operating with its original route.
4. Chicago ‘L’, United States – The system started with the South Side Rapid Transit and expanded to include multiple lines and branches. Today, it covers 145 stations and 8 lines, playing a crucial role in Chicago’s public transportation network. Its elevated structure provides a distinctive feature, with some sections running underground in the city center.
- Opened: June 6, 1892
- Notable Fact: Known for its elevated tracks and being one of the oldest metro systems in the US.
Worlds Oldest Metro Systems
5. Paris Metro, France – A dense and efficient network that serves the French capital and its suburbs. The system started with Line 1, running between Porte de Vincennes and Porte Maillot. It now has 16 lines, covering 214 kilometers of track and 303 stations. The Paris Métro is known for its short distances between stations and high frequency of trains.
- Opened: July 19, 1900
- Notable Fact: Famous for its Art Nouveau station entrances and dense network.
6. Berlin U-Bahn, Germany – The initial line ran from Stralauer Tor to Potsdamer Platz. Today, the U-Bahn consists of 10 lines and 173 stations, covering 151 kilometers. It is integral to Berlin’s urban life and cultural history.
- Opened: February 15, 1902
- Notable Fact: – The U-Bahn, short for “Untergrundbahn” (underground railway), played a crucial role in Berlin’s public transportation, surviving two World Wars and the division of the city during the Cold War.
Top Best Metro Systems
7. New York City Subway, United States – The NYC Subway operates 24/7. The first line ran from City Hall to 145th Street. The system now encompasses 36 lines and over 665 miles of track, making it one of the largest and busiest metro systems globally. It is renowned for its complexity, extensive reach, and iconic design elements like the mosaic station signs.
- Opened: October 27, 1904
- Notable Fact: One of the most extensive metro systems in the world, with 472 stations in operation.
8. Philadelphia Market-Frankford Line, United States – It runs from 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby to the Frankford Transportation Center in Northeast Philadelphia. The line includes both elevated and underground segments, providing a vital east-west transit route. It has 28 stations and is a key component of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) network.
- Opened: March 4, 1907
- Notable Fact: The Market-Frankford Line, also known as the “El” due to its elevated sections, serves as a major part of Philadelphia’s transit system.nown for its elevated and underground segments, serving as a major part of Philadelphia’s transit system.
Final Words
The world’s 8 oldest metro systems are not just feats of engineering but also vital components of their cities’ identities and histories. Each system has contributed to the development and modernization of urban transit, setting standards and inspiring subsequent innovations in metro technology and operations. These historic metro systems continue to serve millions of passengers daily, proving their enduring value and legacy in the realm of public transportation.
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