Morning. Rush hour. Subway. A classic scenario for most residents of a metropolis. And it would seem, what could be faster, more environmentally friendly, and more convenient? This mode of transportation has simplified the lives of many since 1863. We believe you have already guessed what this article will be about. We want to tell you about the largest metro systems in the world.
Mexico City
Opened: 1969
Number of stations: 195
You can see literally everything in this metro system: bicycle parking, maps of other metro systems around the world, or the starry sky. All station names are duplicated with symbols (animals, people, or ornaments). This is done specifically for those who cannot read. There are also special cars for women and children to prevent any harassment during rush hour.
London
Opened: 1863
Number of stations: 270
The oldest underground railway, 60% of whose trains run above ground. The word “metro” comes from the Metropolitan Railway company, which was responsible for its construction. The famous phrase “Mind the gap” also originates from the metro. It is a kind of warning to watch your step so as not to end up in the gap between the carriage and the edge of the platform.
Tokyo
Opened: 1927
Number of stations: 285
The Tokyo subway is so chaotic that a special position has been created to maintain order: the oshiya. They pull people who are unable to squeeze into the cars out, and push those who are trying to get into the crowded cars back.
The average Tokyo resident spends about two hours a day on the subway, so the trains are equipped with toilets, shower stalls, and drinking fountains.
Madrid
Opened: 1919
Number of stations: 301
In 2018, paper tickets were abolished and replaced with plastic cards. Therefore, before traveling, you need to purchase a card for €2.5 and then add trips to it. People taller than 1.78 m need to be especially careful, as the ceilings at some stations are quite low.
Paris
Opened: 1900
Number of stations: 303
There is a special atmosphere here, as the Paris Metro has ghost stations. They were never opened, and some do not even have an exit to the surface (for example, “Haxo” and “Port Molitor”). Since 1997, Espace Metro Accords has been holding annual auditions to decide who is worthy of playing in the metro. One hundred lucky people pass the auditions.
Beijing
Opened: 1969
Number of stations: 370
It is considered one of the longest metro systems in the world.
It is rash to hope that you will get a seat, so there are “under-seats” (an alternative to seats located around the perimeter of the car). However, they are mainly suitable only for Chinese people, as they are designed for people of short stature.
Keep your ticket until you exit the subway, because it will be collected at the exit and reused.
Shanghai
Opened: 1993
Number of stations: 413
It ranks first in terms of line length (a total of 660 km). By the end of 2020, it is planned to expand to 780 km. The Shanghai Metro is considered the most modern: LED displays and LCD monitors, how do you like that?
Seoul
Opened: 1974
Number of stations: 429
Almost every station has rooms for mothers with children. In addition, in 2016, special pink seats for pregnant women appeared in all cars. The fare depends on how many kilometers you travel. For every 5 km, 100 won is added.
New York
Opened: 1904
Number of stations: 472
Here’s a shocking fact: every day, more people ride the New York subway than live in Denmark. Changes to the subway schedule are not uncommon. Many people use special apps that track train movements and warn of delays. By the way, men here need to be careful about how wide they spread their legs to avoid paying a fine. In this regard, the expression “Your balls are not so big” has become popular.