10 Oldest Metro Systems in The World

The oldest metro system in the world was opened in 1890, and is still operating today. By 2014, there are over 160 metro systems in over 50 countries in the world. And currently, over 50 metro systems are under construction worldwide, few of them are  expected to be opened in 2020.

London UndergrounD, 1890. The oldest metro system in the world.

The 10 oldest metro systems in the world are:

1. London UndergrounD, 1890

The nickname of London UndergrounD is the Tube. It is a public metro system that serves London and some parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Although its name is ‘UndergrounD’, but only 45% of the system is underground in tunnels. It has 270 stations, and 11 lines. It is also one of the busiest metro systems in the world which serves around 4.8 million passengers daily.

Its origin is Metropolitan Railway, which is the first underground railway in the world, opened in 1863. But the first line to operate underground electric railway, opened in 1890. In the early 20th century, the UNDERGROUND signs outside stations in Central London was given, including maps, joint publicity, and through ticketing.

2. Budapest Metro, 1896

Budapest Metro is the second oldest electrified underground railway system in the world. Its Line 1, which completed in 1896, become an icon in the Hungrary and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002.

Budapest Metro consists of four lines, which each line designated by a number and a colour. The system is mostly underground, except for short stretches near the each line’s depots. An automated ticket system and fare collection have been implemented by Budapest Metro.

3. Glasgow Subway, 1896

Glasgow Subway  is the third-oldest underground metro system in the world, located in Glasgow, Scotland. It is the only metro system in the United Kingdom which completely operates underground. The construction of the underground began in 1891 and opened on 14 December 1896.

In March 1977, cracks were noticed in the roof of Govan Cross station. In May 1977, the system was shut down for a major refurbishment. In August 1977, all redundant equipments from the old system were sold at a public sale. The line was formally reopened on 1 November 1979, however, ongoing renovation work was still incomplete. On 16 April 1980 the line was finally reopened to passengers.

4. Chicago "L", 1897

Chicago "L" is short for "elevated”. The “L” gained its name because most parts of the system are elevated. Chicago “L” is serving the city of Chicago and some of its surrounding suburbs in Illinois. It is the fourth-largest rapid transit system in the United States with a total of 102.8 miles route length, and runs over a total of 224.1 miles of track.

The very first sections of the "L" began operations on June 6, 1892, when a steam locomotive carrying more than a couple of dozen people, and pulling four wooden coaches. The first full circuit of the Loop was completed in 1897. In a 2005 poll, the readers of Chicago Tribune voted Chicago “L”  as one of the "seven wonders of Chicago."

5. Paris Métro, 1900

Paris Métro, short for Métropolitain, is a metro system in the Paris metropolitan area. The plan of an urban railway system was started since 1845, but many hurdles that put down the plan. The construction finally began on November 1898, and the first line was opened without ceremony on 19 July 1900 during the Paris World's Fair.

Paris Métro is noted as symbol of the city for its uniform architecture, influenced by Art Nouveau. Paris Métro is mostly underground metro system which has 16 lines, and 303 stations. It is also one of the densest metro systems in the world, and the second busiest subway system in Europe.

6. MBTA Subway, 1901

Short for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MBTA is a subway system operates in the Boston metropolitan area. It has 133 stations, but only 26 are located underground. Most of the lines operate in tunnels in the downtown area.

The section of the Tremont Street Subway is the oldest transit subway still in use in the United States, opened in September 1897. It also has been designated a National Historic Landmark of the United States. But the first rapid transit line and the first elevated railway in Boston were established in 1901.

7. Berlin U-Bahn, 1902

U-Bahn is short for Untergrundbahn, or underground railway. It is a rapid transit railway, and a major part of the city's public transport system in Berlin, Germany. U-Bahn serves 173 stations, with a total track length of 94.3 miles. Its trains carry over 400 million passengers, and travel 82.0 million miles over the course of a year.

Berlin U-Bahn was opened in 1902. It was then redeveloped in three major phases: the construction of the Kleinprofil network up to 1913, the introduction of the Großprofil network up to 1930, and further development after World War II from 1953 on. Bullet-riddled tiles at the entrances result of World War II battle damage were removed by 21 December 2004.

8. Athens Metro, 1904

Athens Metro is a rapid-transit system in Greece. It is connected with the other means of public transport. Athens Metro is hailed for being efficient and modern. Many of its stations feature art works, and display the archeological remains found during the construction. Also, street photographers often work in Athens Metro.

In 1869, the former Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways was opened as a conventional steam railway. But in 1904, it was electrified and become part of Line 1 of Athens Metro. Law 3920/2011 enacted by the Greek government consolidated Athens Metro operations with Urban Rail Transport (STASY), a subsidiary of OASA.

9. New York City Subway, 1904

New York City Subway is a metro system with the most stations, also one of the longest metro systems in the world. With its 24/7 service, New York City Subway also becomes one of the busiest rapid transit systems in the world.

The first demonstration for an underground transit system in New York City was built in 1869 and opened in February 1870. While the construction of the subway was began in 1900. The first underground line opened on October 27, 1904.

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy in New York caused flooding several underwater tunnels and other facilities. Within only six months, the immediate damage was fixed, but long-term rehabilitation projects continue.

10. SEPTA, 1907

SEPTA is abreviated from Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. It is a regional public transportation authority that services to almost 4 million people in and around Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Rapid Transit was incorporated in 1902, but the first subway line completed in 1907.

SEPTA has the 5th largest overall transit system, and the 6th-largest U.S. rapid transit system by ridership. The headquarters of SEPTA are at 1234 Market Street in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Underground

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest_Metro

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow_Subway

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_%22L%22

5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_M%C3%A9tro

6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBTA_Subway

7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_U-Bahn

8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens_Metro

9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway

10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEPTA