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The subway is one of the oldest public transportation systems on the planet, with London’s being the first to be inaugurated more than a century ago. Today this means of mass transit is used in many countries and millions of people use it every day. What’s more, we can assure with total conviction that life would not be the same without this technological advance. Moving from one place to another in a short time and in a comfortable way is just some great advantages offered by this system. Let’s visualize each of these railroads and make the most of what these great allies offer us; they make our life easier in the city, as surely to millions of people in the world.
London Underground
It is the oldest railway system on the planet. The idea began with the use of steam locomotives back in January 1863. The current reality is the existence of an underground transport network that integrates 408 kilometres of enabled lines that allow you to move around any part of the city of London. If you would like to know more about the evolution of this means of transport, visit the London Transport Museum.
The Istanbul Tünnel
A pioneer of rail transport and the first underground metro in continental Europe, the Istanbul Tunnel began operation in 1875. The distance it covers is very short, just 573 metres in just 90 seconds, yet it carries more than 12,000 passengers a day. There are several very attractive areas for tourism that you can visit using this means of transport as a transfer. So include it in your itinerary when planning your next trip.
Chicago L
Super busy and a fixed tourist destination for those visiting or passing through beautiful Chicago. This underground began operations in the late 19th century and its name derives from the word elevated; this is due to the fact that during the trip you travel through open-air areas. The Chicago L is used weekly by more than 600,000 people, making it the third most used train in the world. Take advantage of this means of transport and experience the wonders of this attractive and lively city.
Glasgow’s Circular Tube
The only underground line in the Scottish city of Glasgow began operating in 1896. The city’s beginnings were humble and mainly working class, but now the city is lively and has a number of attractions worth seeing. These include the University of Glasgow, the Museum of Modern Art and other stunning and imposing works of architecture and design. So, enjoy the ride on its circular metro.
Budapest Metro
This underground has 4 active lines with 52 stations. It was inaugurated in 1896 and in 2002 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowadays, you can still admire the original decoration in some of its stations. Remember, however, that it is a very busy place, so it is necessary to take care of security. In Budapest, take the opportunity to visit amazing places, such as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and others.
Paris Métro
The capital of love can boast a very extensive and efficient public transport network, and the Paris underground is the fastest way to get around the city; the Métro has 16 lines and more than 200 kilometres of track. Interestingly, every 500 metres there is an entrance to this wonderful means of transport. In addition, the Paris metro is unified with the RER system, which is extremely fast and very suitable for long distances.
Berlin’s U-Bahn
It is a network of trains inaugurated in 1902. It has 175 stations and almost 150 kilometres of track; it also runs at 72 kilometres per hour. During the Second World War this system was used as a bunker, and for this reason the inhabitants of the city could not enjoy its use from 1945 until 1989. The Berlin Underground is the most comfortable, safest and cheapest way to visit the most important historical sites of the city.
New York Subway
If New York is the city that never sleeps, its underground system guarantees constant mobility at all hours. The Big Apple has one of the oldest subways on the planet; being a reference point and a must-have picture for every tourist. Amazing places like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty or the Museum of Modern Art are marvels that you can easily and cheaply reach by underground.
Philadelphia SEPTA
Operating since 1907, this railway has 4 lines running underground and above ground. It is a 208-station structure and is part of a transportation system that also includes buses and trolleys. It is also one of the fastest ways to visit the most interesting places in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, such as the Museum of the American Revolution, the Natural Academy of Sciences, Love Park and others.
Madrid Metro
Inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in October 1919, this system had a great impact on the lives of the people of Madrid. The Madrid metro is the oldest in Spain and guarantees comfort, speed and safety for its users. It has 300 stations and runs for 300 kilometres on 13 efficient lines. The underground is so interesting that you can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Bibliometro and other areas.
You probably also have experienced the great daily benefits of having an efficient underground metro system in your city, and you already know the oldest and most interesting underground metro systems in the world, so, there’s nothing left to do but to escape this summer and enjoy a fast, safe, efficient and economical way of getting around historic and tourist attractions.
