Metro railway networks are extremely important nowadays for public transportation in cities alone, but do you know that in many countries of the world, the operation of metro railway networks started much earlier? In this article, you will know about the 10 oldest metro railway networks in the world.
London – 1863: It is the oldest in the world, started in 1863. The system is the 12th busiest metro system in the world today. Its first train connected Paddington and Farrington and was a steam engine. This historic metro system can be used by commuters to London today.
Budapest – 1896: This metro network started in 1896, and is the second oldest metro in the world. The metro line currently consists of four lines, each with a distinctive color. If you are ever in Budapest, you should definitely visit it, as it is a World Heritage Site. Additionally, there is also a museum on-site, where you can learn about this historic metro system.
Glasgow – 1896: This metro network started in 1896, and is the third oldest metro in the world. One of the most visited cities in Scotland, Glasgow is definitely a great holiday destination. Trains here are quite efficient, running every 6-8 minutes during peak periods.
Chicago – 1892: It is also the fourth-largest transit system in the United States. It began operation in June 1892 and today has eight lines which are identified by their color codes. According to a poll conducted by the Chicago Tribune in 2005, it is one of the greatest wonders of Chicago.
Paris – 1900: The Paris Metro opened in 1900, leading to the use of the word “métro” from its original name, “Compagnie du Chemin de fer Métropolitain de Paris”. In 2016, it carried an astonishing 1.52 billion passengers. The 214 km network spans 16 lines with 302 stops, with an average distance between them of 548 meters.
Berlin – 1902: Berlin’s U-Bahn, which began operation in 1902, spans ten lines and over 151 kilometers of track, with about 80% of the lines running underground. This train network was built to reduce traffic congestion.
New York City – 1904: The New York City Subway opened in October 1904 with two divisions: the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) and the Brooklyn–Manhattan Transit Corporation (BMT). The first fare was only $0.05. Today, the metro is the world’s largest metro system by the number of stations, with more than 420 stops in 380 kilometers.
Madrid – 1919: 8 stations and 4 kilometers. It was the first Metro de Madrid line, inaugurated on 17 October 1919 between Cuatro Camino and Sol. Almost 100 years later, the metro has reached 12 municipalities in Madrid, where more than 75% of residents live less than 600 meters from a metro station.
Tokyo – 1927: The first complete subway line in Japan opened in 1927: the Tokyo Metro line between Ueno and Asakusa (about 2.2 km). During the time when steam trains were still the main form of motion, Tokyo Metro began developing the 1000 Series electric trains for underground use.
Moscow – 1935: The metro opened on 15 May 1935 with two routes: from Sokolniki through central Moscow to Park Kultury and from Sokolniki to Okhotny Ryad and Smolenskaya stations, with 13 majestic stations.
