Subways are an important mode of transportation in major cities around the world. They offer a convenient, cost-effective, and reliable way of getting around, and they are a great way to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas. But how many subways are there in the world?
The exact number of subways in the world is difficult to determine, as different countries use different definitions of what counts as a subway. For example, some countries may include light rail systems, metro systems, and underground railway systems in their definition of a subway. In addition, some countries may include urban rail systems, monorail systems, and elevated railways in their definition of a subway.
However, according to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), there are more than 200 metro systems in operation in cities around the world. The UITP defines a metro system as a “large-scale, rapid transit system, usually running underground and built to transport large numbers of people quickly in metropolitan areas.” This definition excludes light rail systems, urban rail systems, monorail systems, and elevated railway systems.
In the United States alone, there are 37 subway systems in operation in cities such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The New York City Subway is the largest system, with 472 stations and more than 850 miles of track. The Chicago “L” is the second-largest system, with 145 stations and more than 225 miles of track.
In Europe, there are more than 130 metro systems in operation in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Moscow. The London Underground is the oldest and largest system, with 270 stations and more than 400 miles of track. The Paris Metro is the second-largest system, with 303 stations and more than 200 miles of track.
Other countries with large subway systems include China and Japan. China has more than 40 metro systems in operation in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The Beijing Subway is the largest system, with 22 lines and more than 400 stations. The Shanghai Metro is the second-largest system, with 17 lines and more than 400 stations.
Japan also has an extensive subway system, with 28 metro systems in operation in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The Tokyo Metro is the largest system, with 13 lines and more than 200 stations. The Osaka Metro is the second-largest system, with 8 lines and more than 100 stations.
What is the Oldest Subway in the World?
The London Underground is the oldest subway system in the world. The first section of the Underground opened in 1863, making it the world’s first underground railway. The London Underground consists of 11 lines and 270 stations, and it is the busiest metro system in Europe, with more than 1.3 billion passengers each year.
What is the Longest Subway in the World?
The Beijing Subway is the longest subway system in the world. The Beijing Subway consists of 22 lines and more than 400 stations, and it is the busiest metro system in the world, with more than 9.6 billion passengers each year. The Beijing Subway covers an area of more than 1,500 square miles, and it has a total length of more than 675 miles of track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many subways are there in the world?
According to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), there are more than 200 metro systems in operation in cities around the world.
What is the oldest subway in the world?
The London Underground is the oldest subway system in the world. The first section of the Underground opened in 1863.
What is the longest subway in the world?
The Beijing Subway is the longest subway system in the world. It has a total length of more than 675 miles of track.
What is the busiest metro system in the world?
The Beijing Subway is the busiest metro system in the world, with more than 9.6 billion passengers each year.
What is the largest subway system in the United States?
The New York City Subway is the largest subway system in the United States, with 472 stations and more than 850 miles of track.
What is the largest subway system in Europe?
The London Underground is the largest subway system in Europe, with 270 stations and more than 400 miles of track.
What is the largest subway system in China?
The Beijing Subway is the largest subway system in China, with 22 lines and more than 400 stations.
What is the largest subway system in Japan?
The Tokyo Metro is the largest subway system in Japan, with 13 lines and more than 200 stations.
What is the second-largest subway system in the United States?
The Chicago “L” is the second-largest subway system in the United States, with 145 stations and more than 225 miles of track.
What is the second-largest subway system in Europe?
The Paris Metro is the second-largest subway system in Europe, with 303 stations and more than 200 miles of track.
What is the second-largest subway system in China?
The Shanghai Metro is the second-largest subway system in China, with 17 lines and more than 400 stations.
What is the second-largest subway system in Japan?
The Osaka Metro is the second-largest subway system in Japan, with 8 lines and more than 100 stations.
What is the definition of a metro system?
The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) defines a metro system as a “large-scale, rapid transit system, usually running underground and built to transport large numbers of people quickly in metropolitan areas.” This definition excludes light rail systems, urban rail systems, monorail systems, and elevated railway systems.