But some metros (or subways) are better than others, while others are just terrible and need a lot of work. Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst metros on the planet.
Best – Hong Kong
Many believe that Hong Kong is the golden standard when it comes to underground metros. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is regularly praised for being extremely affordable, consistently clean, and always on time.
Not to mention the fact that the MTR links up virtually the entire country, from the rural areas like Tai Po to the bustling commercial areas, like Wan Chai.
Worst – Kolkata, India
Unfortunately, the Kolkata Metro leaves a lot to be desired. After first opening about 30 years ago, this metro hasn’t received too much maintenance work, leading to all kinds of safety hazards and accidents.
Unlike Delhi’s metro, Kolkata’s still relies on relatively old technology. It’s also considered to be one of the worst because it suffers regular breakdowns, and there is plenty of overcrowding.
Best – Seoul, South Korea
Another Asian country that seems to just “get it” when it comes to underground travel, the Seoul Subway manages to carry about 7 million passengers every day via its nine lines, without any trouble whatsoever.
One thing that separates Seoul’s metro from the rest is the fact that most lines not only have WiFi, but they also play TVs for the passengers and are even climate-controlled!
Worst – Manila, Philippines
Generally speaking, this city in the Philippines is believed to have one of the worst public transportation systems in the world. And Manila’s LRT is a clear example of the city’s many problems when it comes to commuting.
Locals and tourists alike believe that the LRT suffers from extreme overcrowding, safety issues, and a lack of maintenance. Currently, the Metro Manila Subway is under construction, so this might change things.
Best (& Worst) – London, UK
There might not be an underground railway system as iconic as “the Tube.” Of course, we’re referring to the London Underground. It might not be the cleanest metro in the world, but the Tube is usually quite reliable. And even if you miss your train, another comes along pretty quickly.
Despite opening more than 160 years ago, not that much work has been done to the underground since then. So, although it has a charm and feels traditional, large parts of it could do with a makeover. If you’re travelling in London though, there’s no better way to get from one attraction to the next.