Metro systems, also known as subways or underground railways, are a vital part of urban public transportation in cities across the globe. These systems not only facilitate daily commutes for millions but also showcase remarkable feats of engineering and urban planning.
Let’s journey through time and explore the ten oldest metro systems in the world, each with its unique history and interesting facts.
10 Oldest Metro Systems in the World
10. Oslo Metro
Country: Norway
Year Built: 1928
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Oslo Metro, known locally as the T-bane, offers a unique combination of metro and tram services, with lines that traverse both underground and above-ground routes. The network connects the city center with outlying forests and residential areas, making it a critical component of Oslo’s public transit system.
Despite its modest size, the Oslo Metro is efficient and well-integrated with other forms of public transportation, offering scenic views of the Norwegian landscape on certain routes.
Did You Know?
The Oslo Metro is one of the northernmost metros in the world, and during winter months, some of its tracks are regularly crossed by skiers. The network’s integration with the surrounding nature and accessibility to ski resorts proves Norway’s commitment to outdoor activities and public transport efficiency.
9. Tokyo Metro
Country: Japan
Year Built: 1927
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Tokyo Metro, part of a broader network that services the Tokyo metropolis, is famed for its precision and the density of its operations. Handling over 7 million passengers daily, the Metro is a model of Japanese efficiency and technology, with punctual trains and immaculate stations.
Despite its crowded conditions, especially during rush hour, the system is remarkably quiet and orderly, reflecting local cultural norms.
Did You Know?
Tokyo’s subway system employs people known as “oshiya” or “pushers” whose job is to ensure that trains are as full as possible during peak times. This practice began in the 1960s when the booming economy and rapid urbanization led to overcrowding in trains. The pushers wear uniforms and gloves, and their work has become an iconic aspect of Tokyo’s commuter culture.
8. Barcelona Metro
Country: Spain
Year Built: 1924
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Barcelona Metro began operations in 1924 and quickly became a crucial part of the city’s infrastructure. Today, it includes several lines that integrate seamlessly with other public transport modes like trams and regional trains.
The Metro connects major tourist destinations, residential areas, and business districts, facilitating easy and efficient travel across the city. Its stations are often noted for their modern design and art installations.
Did You Know?
Archaeological digs are frequently necessary during the expansions and renovations of the Barcelona Metro, and these have unearthed significant historical artifacts. These finds have helped shed light on Barcelona’s rich history, from Roman settlements to medieval times.
The city often incorporates these historical elements into the design of new stations, creating a unique blend of old and new.
7. Madrid Metro
Country: Spain
Year Built: 1919
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Since opening in 1919, the Madrid Metro has evolved from a modest network into one of the most extensive underground systems in the world, stretching over 293 km. It is renowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and rapid expansion to meet the growing needs of Madrid’s population.
The system is a vital link in the city’s public transportation, connecting residential areas with the bustling city center, and includes several lines that reach far into the surrounding suburbs.
Did You Know?
During the Spanish Civil War, the Madrid Metro played a crucial role beyond transportation. Its deeper stations were used as bomb shelters, protecting civilians from air raids. Post-war, these stations were commemorated with plaques that celebrate their role in safeguarding the city’s residents during those turbulent times.
6. New York City Subway
Country: USA
Year Built: 1904
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The New York City Subway, inaugurated in 1904, is a vast network of routes designed to navigate the complex urban terrain of one of the world’s most bustling metropolises. With 472 stations and 24-hour service, the NYC Subway is essential for over 5 million daily commuters.
Its integration with the city’s cultural fabric is evident in its diverse range of station art, the underground musicians it accommodates, and the hustle of everyday life.
Did You Know?
The New York City Subway is home to an unofficial community of “subway therapists,” where commuters often find Post-it notes encouraging them to share their thoughts and stories. This phenomenon started as a form of communal healing and solidarity during challenging times, turning stations into temporary confessionals and places of connection.
5. Berlin U-Bahn
Country: Germany
Year Built: 1902
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Berlin U-Bahn, opened in 1902, has witnessed and participated in Berlin’s tumultuous history, navigating the impacts of two world wars and the Cold War.
Over the decades, the U-Bahn has expanded to become one of the most extensive underground systems in Europe. It is noted for its punctuality, cleanliness, and distinctive yellow trains. Its resilience and ability to adapt to the changing needs of Berlin’s population have made it an indispensable part of the city’s infrastructure.
Did You Know?
Several U-Bahn lines ran through both East and West Berlin throughout the Cold War. The trains would pass through East Berlin stations without stopping, effectively turning these stations into “ghost stations” that were closely guarded by East German soldiers.
This peculiar arrangement made the Berlin U-Bahn a unique symbol of Berlin’s division and subsequent reunification.
4. Paris Métro
Country: France
Year Built: 1900
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Opened just in time for the 1900 World Fair, the Paris Métro not only enhanced urban mobility but also became synonymous with Parisian culture and aesthetics. Known for its remarkable Art Nouveau entrances designed by Hector Guimard, the Métro integrates seamlessly into the city’s historic landscape.
It has grown into one of the busiest underground systems in the world, famed for its efficiency and the unique themes of many of its stations, which are often decorated with artworks that celebrate French history and achievements.
Did You Know?
Some Paris Métro stations are virtual museums featuring replicas of artworks and historical exhibits. For instance, the Louvre-Rivoli station is adorned with replicas of masterpieces found in the Louvre, providing commuters with an artistic experience as they travel.
Additionally, several stations have been left abandoned and are sometimes opened for tours or used as film sets, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery to the network.
3. Budapest Metro
Country: Hungary
Year Built: 1896
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Budapest Metro opened in 1896, and it is not only a historic marvel but also a modern-day backbone for the city’s commuters. As the first electrified underground network in continental Europe, it originally served to connect major points in Budapest, enhancing the cityscape and urban reach.
Today, the system has expanded but still retains its classic charm, with ornate stations that reflect the architectural styles of the late 19th century, combined with modern technology to meet contemporary needs.
Did You Know?
The Budapest Metro holds a special place in cultural history, with Line 1 being the second oldest underground line in the world. Interestingly, Emperor Franz Joseph himself approved the construction of this metro, using a golden hammer to lay down the first rail, symbolizing his reign’s technological and imperial ambitions.
2. Glasgow Subway
Country: Scotland
Year Built: 1896
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Glasgow’s Subway, inaugurated in 1896, stands as one of the few subways in the world that has retained a circular route. Its uniqueness lies not just in its route but in its very construction and the technology it employed, such as the cable-powered cars that preceded the electrification in 1935.
Despite its relatively smaller scale, this quaint system encapsulates a slice of Victorian engineering prowess and continues to serve as a critical and reliable piece of Glasgow’s public transport system.
Did You Know?
The Glasgow Subway was originally designed with a unique track gauge that is much narrower than standard railway gauges. This design choice necessitates the use of smaller, bespoke trains. Despite its modest size and vintage, the Subway remains a vital and cherished part of Glasgow’s transit system, often celebrated in local culture and arts.
1. London Underground
Country: United Kingdom
Year Built: 1863
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Opening its doors in 1863, the London Underground has evolved from steam-powered railways to an electrified network that now spans over 250 miles of track, connecting 270 stations. This extensive system has not only shaped London’s geography but has also influenced global metro design and transit culture.
The Tube, as it’s commonly known, was integral in pioneering deep-level tunnels and the use of contactless ticketing technology, making it a template for modern urban transit.
Did You Know?
During its long history, the London Underground has taken on roles beyond transportation. In addition to serving as bomb shelters during WWII, the Underground’s disused tube stations have hosted secret wartime offices, film sets, and even mushroom farms.
Its rich history is intertwined with the city’s cultural and historical fabric, making it a subject of fascination for historians and tourists alike.
Conclusion
Exploring the ten oldest metro systems reveals a fascinating blend of history and modernity, each network echoing the dynamic growth of its city. As urban centers evolve, these transit systems are not merely transport routes but lifelines reflecting cultural heritage and technological advancement, which are pivotal in shaping sustainable and efficient urban futures.
