The Best Metro Rail Systems in the World: A Comprehensive Ranking and Comparison

2023-09-05 13:41:27
Shruti M. M.

Do you know which is the best metro rail system in the world? There must be a handful of answers, right? Many metro systems have varying degrees of excellence. So how do you find the best one? It is a controversial issue. From a low carbon footprint to a safe and efficient operating system, to a reliable telecommunications system, we have to look at the technical aspects to find that answer. While some metros excel in terms of accessibility, operating hours, contactless payment facility, Wi-Fi availability and air conditioning, others excel in terms of annual ridership, age and number of toilets. For example, the most accessible mass-transit system is the Seoul subway, which has approximately 300 escalators and 856 elevators. Study reports show that Hong Kong’s MTR lags behind in comparison, although it generally reaches all stations in the mass transit railway network without breaking the bank.

A lack of disabled facilities would put the Paris Metro at the bottom of the ranking. The Mexico City Metro is a top performer for single trips, monthly tickets, contactless cards and the ability for passengers to pay with a smartphone. Moscow, Beijing subway and Hong Kong are next in this regard.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 metro systems in the world.

Hong Kong’s mass transit railway

Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway, abbreviated as MTR, tops the list. Operated under MTR Corporation Limited, this rail network is concentrated in urbanized areas. Comprising heavy rail, light rail and feeder bus services, this rail system facilitates the travel of people on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. The length of MTR Rail Shyamkhala is 218.2 km, comprising 91 heavy rail stations and 68 light rail stops. A total of 159 stations are part of it.

The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway is one of the most profitable metro systems in the world today. The metro has state-of-the-art systems like Wi-Fi, automated ticketing systems and intelligent sensors that inform train timings. This railway station, which is only 30 years old, cannot be described as the best in the world. Because this Shyamkhala is characterized only by its sophisticated systems. These are just a few of the common amenities available in any field in this century.

Hong Kong’s mass transit railways also feature Braille systems for passengers with disabilities, stations with public toilets, shops, banks and takeaway food outlets. There is also a train service every few minutes. Visitors can buy tickets through automated machines and it has the world’s most convenient airport express service that departs every 10 minutes.

The London Underground

The London Underground is a high-speed rail transport system serving parts of the counties of Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. Part of the public transport system, this line is part of the world’s first underground passenger railway, the Metropolitan Railway, which started in 1863. The Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Railways now pass through the metropolitan area. This is also the first line in the world to operate electric traction trains. Currently, the London Underground has 11 lines. Renovated in 2017-18 at a cost of Rs 1.357 billion, this road also has state-of-the-art facilities similar to the aforementioned Hong Kong Road. Air-condition, Wi-Fi at many stations and contactless card payment ticket system are some of them.

Tokyo subway

The Tokyo Subway, also known as the Tokyo Underground Rail, is the most punctual rail system in the world. The Tokyo Subway is part of an extensive rapid transit system that includes the Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway in Greater Tokyo, Japan. Maps printed in English and Japanese can be found on the station walls to make the routes clear even to foreigners, and this sets the Tokyo Underground apart from other rail systems. In short, the Tokyo rail system provides better service than the above two rail systems.

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro in Russia is a rail system designed to attract tourists as it is a tourist destination. Moscow Metro is a railway hub with high-speed transport system, 224 stations and the longest metro service in the world. Opened in 1935, this railway line is 11 kilometers long and runs at high speed between Moscow and the neighboring cities of Krasnogorsk, Rutov, Lyubertsy and Kotelniki. As of 2018, the Moscow Metro currently has 224 stations. This means that it is one of the roads that has seen the best renovations over time. It has become the longest route of 381 km.

The railway also passes through the 84 m (276 ft) deepest point at Parc Pobedy station, one of the deepest in the world. Today, the Moscow Metro line is Europe’s busiest metro system and a tourist attraction. Another factor that sets the Moscow Metro apart from all of the aforementioned rail systems is its design. Its subway station platforms are reminiscent of palaces or art museums, with marble interiors, gilded furniture and ornate arches.

Seoul Metropolitan Subway

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway system runs from the South Korean capital city to rural areas as far as 100 kilometers away. It has railways that reach cities in Incheon and Gyeonggi provinces, as well as rural areas in northern Chungnam and western Gangwon provinces. Though superior to Japan Metro in terms of state-of-the-art facilities, its major drawback is that the service stops before midnight. This rail system also offers features that are not fully available even in cars, including heated seats. More than 1 million passengers can travel through the Seoul Metropolitan Subway using these facilities every day.

Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) makes a distinct contribution with its eco-friendly metro line. Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is known as the world’s most environmentally friendly, sustainable, clean and efficient metro system. Also, according to a 2018 McKinsey report, it is one of the safest, most convenient and cost-effective rail systems in the world. Singapore Metro has more passengers than the above 5 systems. The average daily ridership in 2018 was 3.501 million. Another thing that is unique is the old metro. The first service was on 7 November 1987 between Tho Pao and Yeo Chu Kang. After that, Singapore’s government developed this comprehensive rail network as the backbone of Singapore’s public transport system.

Paris Metro

As soon as you hear Paris, you know that the metro system is designed to attract tourists. This rapid transit system connecting the cities of France is famous for its architecture and unique entrances. If we compare the length of the metro line in the countries mentioned earlier, the first place is the Paris Metro. Most of the 214 km long line with 302 stations is underground. It is one of the busiest train systems in the world.

Now let’s see what is its biggest drawback. Lack of modern facilities. This system does not even have automatic doors. It is this shortcoming that naturally puts the Paris Metro at the bottom of the best metro systems.

New York City Subway

It is the most used metro system in the world, the metro system with the largest number of stations, and the metro that operates 24 hours throughout the year. Opened in 1904, the New York City Subway is one of the oldest public transportation systems in the world. This rapid transit system is owned and operated by New York City. With more than 450 stations, the ticket prices in this metro are also low. But lack of cleanliness, noisy conditions and outdated facilities make this system lag behind in the list of best metro systems.

Stockholm underground metro line

The underground metro line is the rapid transit system in Sweden’s capital city. Its main attraction is the beautiful stations that resemble rock formations and caves, similar to those of the Moscow Metro. Each station evokes the culture and history of the city of Stockholm. Started in 1950, the system has 100 stations including 47 underground stations.

Athens Metro

The Athens Metro is a rapid transit system in Greece serving the city of Athens and parts of eastern Attica. There is one factor that sets the Athens Metro apart from other metro systems in the world. It is because a vast display of ancient artefacts along with state-of-the-art facilities await travelers on this system. Thousands of artefacts found during the removal of soil for the metro line are displayed here.

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