The Oldest Tube System In The World

Did you know the London Underground is the oldest tube system in the world? I’ve been using the Tube ever since I could travel with my friends or alone. I’ve enjoyed using the system to get from A to B; however, rush hour was, and still isn’t, my favourite.

My favourite line is the Elizabeth Line, which has seen over 200 million journeys since opening in 2022.

Here are 10 facts:

1. Oldest Underground System—The London Underground, known as The Tube, opened in 1863, making it the world's first underground railway system.

2. Extensive Network - It spans 402 kilometres (250 miles) across 11 lines, serving 272 stations.

3. Iconic Map—The Tube map, designed by Harry Beck in 1933, uses a topological design that prioritises clarity over geographic accuracy. It is now a global standard for transit maps.

4. Passenger Numbers - It handles up to 5 million passenger journeys daily, with over 1.3 billion annually (pre-COVID figures).

5. Deepest Station - Hampstead station on the Northern line is the deepest, at 58.5 meters (192 feet) below ground.

6. First Electric Trains—The Tube introduced electric trains 1890 on the City and South London Railway, now part of the Northern line.

7. Night Tube - Launched in 2016, the Night Tube operates 24-hour service on select lines (Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly) on weekends.

8. Cultural Impact - The Tube’s red roundel logo and "Mind the Gap" announcements are globally recognised symbols of London.

9. Wartime Role—During WWII, Tube stations like Aldwych served as air raid shelters and storage for cultural treasures, including the Elgin Marbles.

10. Ghost Stations—Over 40 abandoned or "ghost" stations exist, like Aldwych, which closed in 1994. These stations are often used for filming or tours.

Parting Comments

I appreciate that the tube can be a nightmare experience, especially during the rush hour. The old system is creaking under the sheer volume of people using it.

The Tube might handle over 5 million passenger journeys each day, and it also has a team of 16,500 working tirelessly behind the scenes and on the frontline to ensure everyone has a good experience. Spare a thought for these people when you board a tube train.

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Thank you for your attention.

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Tabby