A metro is a rapid transit system and its stations are called as Metro Stations or Subways. It is a type of high-capacity public transport, generally found in urban areas.
Unlike buses or trams, rapid transit systems are electric railways that operate on an exclusive right-of-way, which cannot be accessed by pedestrians or other vehicles.
178 cities in 56 countries around the world host approximately 180 metro systems.
Here’s the list of top 10 busiest metros in the world. And you’ll be surprised to know that 6 of these 10 are in Asia. 4 of which are in China, the most busiest in Japan and 1 in South Korea.
#1. Tokyo Subway, Japan
Serving the Greater Tokyo area of Japan comprising of 13 lines and 290 stations, Tokyo Subway with length of 310 km is the busiest of all.
#2. Beijing Subway, China
The most populous country in the world has the 2nd busiest metro. Beijing Subway with 17 lines and 232 stations, covers 465 km.
#3. Seoul Subway, South Korea
Also known as ‘the longest subway system’ in the world, Seoul Subway is the 3rd most busiest. With 23 lines and 728 stations, it has a total route length of 940 km.
#4. Shanghai Metro, China
The 4th most busiest is the Shanghai Metro, it was the third one to open in China. It has 16 lines, 414 stations and a system length of 676 km.
#5. Moscow Metro, Russia
Europe’s busiest and 5th busy in the world, Moscow Metro was opened in 1935. Comprised of 12 lines and 195 stations, it spans a total length of 325.9 km.
#6.Guangzhou Metro, China
China’s first intercity underground metro line and the world’s 6th most busiest, Guangzhou Metro spans 260.5 km and consists of 9 lines and 164 stations.
#7. New York Subway, US
It is one of the world's oldest public transit systems. Largest in the world by number of stations and 7th most busy in the world. It has 36 lines, 472 stations that covers 394 km.
#8. Mexico City Metro, Mexico
The second largest metro system in North America and 8th busy in the world began operation in 1969 and consists of 12 lines and 195 stations that covers 226.5 km.
#9. MTR Hong Kong, China
The first line of Mass Transit Railway, i.e. MTR Hong Kong was opened in 1979. 9th on the list of most busiest metro, comprising of 82 stations on 9 lines, it spans 174.7 km of track.
#10. Paris Metro, France
The 2nd busiest in Europe and 10th busiest in the world, Paris Metro was opened in 1900. It is called Métropolitain which has 14 lines and 303 stations with a total route length of 205 km.
You’ll be amazed to know that,
*China has the highest number of Metros in the World.
*The London Underground is the oldest metro system in the world.
* The world's fastest metro system train is the Maglev or Transrapid and is the line of the Shanghai Metro in China.