Memorial · Lisbon
G.L.C. 2-11-955

The London Underground stands as the planet's pioneer metro system. Its initial underground railway began operations in 1863, with the first electrified underground line following in 1890. This forms part of a worldwide network of electrified rapid transit trains, known by various names such as subways, tubes, or U-Bahn in different regions. These systems are vital to urban transport, with cities across the globe relying on them.
As of mid-2026, 214 cities spanning 63 nations collectively manage 955 distinct metro lines. The scale of these networks is exemplified by Beijing's subway, recognised as the longest and busiest globally. Meanwhile, China leads the world in the sheer number of operational metro systems, hosting 54, and includes 11 of the world's most extensive networks.
Original summary by TributeLegacy, informed by public sources.
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.
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