This article is going to discuss the 15 Largest Metro Networks in the World. If you wish to skip our analysis of transportation sector of the world and the metro rail infrastructure market, you can go directly to 5 Largest Metro Networks in The World.
Growth of cities has been phenomenal in the recent times, with more and more people starting to live in cities. As of 2023, round about 56% of the world’s population, equaling 4.4 billion people, are residing in cities, according to World Bank. However, rapid growth in urbanization requires efficient transportation networks across cities. Thus, the need to curtail traffic congestion issues, and the need to up the overall public transit system because of increasing urbanization, have driven the global public transit sector – the market struck $215.54 billion mark in 2022, and further projections indicate towards a whopping 7.6% annual growth rate of the market from 2023 to 2030! In terms of the overall transportation system, Stockholm (Sweden), Helsinki (Finland), and Zurich (Switzerland) are 3 cities of the world with the best public transit system, according to Insider Monkey article. Moreover, London (U.K.), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Berlin (Germany) are few others which are ranked amongst the best in Europe, and in the world, as well.
As such, the metro network becomes highly relevant to our discussion, as it is increasingly preferred by the people because of its reliability and environmentally efficient aspect. Moreover, metro network also results in significant reduction of traffic jams and pollution. In U.S. alone, in 2022, 134 billion gallons of gasoline was burnt out through the consumption of it in the transportation sector, which caused 1,476 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which results in climatic issues like global warming, according to Coltura.
The metro rail infrastructure market hit the $46.8 billion mark in 2023, with further expectations saying that it will continue to grow 6% annually, till 2032, according to Global Market Insights. The projection of the market is based on the increasing urbanization and resultant growth in cities. Moreover, environmentally friendly modes of doing anything is preferred in today’s era, and hence, more investments are put into transportation network, which requires a great deal of long-term commitment, to be transitioned into greener industry – and metro networks are one way to do it. For example, a new installation, the Grand Paris Express, is planned for the Paris Métro, which would add up a range of 120 miles through 4 new lines and 68 new stations.
According to a report from McKinsey, Asia is expected to spend the most money on building new metro and light-rail systems. Between the time frame of 2019 to 2025, they had put forward a goal to invest around $920 billion, back in 2020; the Middle East and Europe regions are also aiming to spend a lot, between $135 and $145 billion each. Few cities which are hoping to transition their rail system the most are Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, and Singapore, each planning at least one rail project worth more than $5 billion, according to McKinsey.
In 2023, North America was seen to be involved in betterment of its metro network system. Money from the federal, state, and local governments is key for planning, building, and keeping up with metro systems. For example, in November 2023, the Biden Administration granted $1.64 billion to help expand the Metro-North Railroad’s Penn Station access, which included addition of four new stations in the Bronx.
Major companies in the US market are actively pursuing strategic initiatives to uphold and expand their market presence. Companies like AECOM (NYSE:ACM), Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP), and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC), are prioritizing innovation, investing in research and development, and utilizing advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of railway systems.
In January 2024, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) teamed up with 62 customers to complete industrial development projects in 2023. These projects, which expanded operations or established new facilities along Norfolk Southern’s rail network, totaled $3.1 billion in investment, creating over 4,150 new jobs as a result. According to Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, this collaboration reflects Norfolk Southern’s (NYSE:NSC) commitment to facilitating industrial growth and enhancing productivity. The company aims to demonstrate its reliability and efficiency as a railroad partner, supporting both existing and potential customers in their growth endeavors.
In February 2022, AECOM (NYSE:ACM) obtained funding for several significant rail projects across the U.S., through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program. This program has allocated approximately $16.4 billion for various essential rail infrastructure projects along the Northeast Corridor and nationwide. AECOM’s (NYSE:ACM) ongoing projects include the California High-Speed Rail, the Lyon-Turin high-speed rail link, and the Metro Tunnel Melbourne in Australia.
Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) is another key player in rail transportation, linking the western two-thirds of the United States by rail. It provides rail services from major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, interfaces with Canada’s rail systems, and serves major Mexico gateways. In late July 2022, Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) announced a significant deal with Wabtec to modernize around 600 locomotives. The agreement, valued at over $1 billion, is the largest investment in modernized locomotives in the rail industry history, which aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Union Pacific’s locomotive fleet, according to Wabtec.
Few of the biggest metro networks in the world are in New York, Beijing and Shanghai; and to delve deeper into the realm of biggest metro networks existing in the world, let’s now jump to our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in the World.
Methodology
To rank 15 Largest Metro Networks in the World, we used a weighted ranking system to assign a score to each metro system. This took into account three parameters, which included, number of stations, length of track, and number of lines. The figures for these have been sourced from various sources like CNN Travel and World Metro Database. The first two parameters, that are considered more noteworthy to describe the size of Metro Networks, were given a higher weightage of 40% each, whereas the third parameter was given a weight of 20%. With this we arrived at a score that incorporates all three factors and thus provides a thorough ranking metric; a higher score means a larger metro network. With this, we present to you a list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in the World.
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15. Chicago “L”, USA
Insider Monkey Score: 100.8
Our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World begins with Chicago L. Chicago, like other late 1800s and early 1900s cities, such as New York and Paris, used elevated steel structures for its electric trains that became iconic, also boosting downtown growth.
In 2005, the Chicago Tribune named the “L” one of Chicago’s seven wonders. Like the New York City Subway and Copenhagen Metro, it’s one of only three systems globally that operate trains around the clock. Good news came out in 2023 that the Chicago Transit Authority, on the back of $200 million funding, is set to bring in new trains in place of “L” trains, which have been in operation since 1980’s.
14. Shenzhen Metro, China
Insider Monkey Score: 101.2
Shenzhen Metro is the 6th metro system installed in China, with its “The line 8” extension getting an 8km extension at the end of 2023. The overall metro system spreads across 111 miles, bringing together travelers from 137 stations. This showcases Shenzhen’s commitment to staying ahead of its growing population (1.4 billion, as of 2024) and urbanization, also explaining why the city is amongst the fastest growing cities in the country. Moreover, in mid-year 2023, installation of 182 lines and extensions was approved under the fifth phase of the Shenzhen metro development program, according to Railway Gazette.
13. Berlin U-Bahn, Germany
Insider Monkey Score: 108.2
Back in 1902, first Berlin U-Bahn lines set foot on the earth, placing it alongside Paris and New York City, in terms of the oldest metro networks of the world. Now, the metro system caters to more than 1.5 million commuters daily, boasting its network of 9 lines and 174 stations, out of which 90% are located underground. Berlin’s U-Bahn is placed 13th on our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World.
Playing out as Berlin’s primary transport arteries, 16 S-Bahn line connects all the important points with the overall region. Connecting with local buses and trams through well-planned points, both S-Bahn and U-Bahn merge together creating a seamless transit system, connecting all the places of the city that’s enriched with history.
The $42.7 billion investment that was announced by Germany in late 2023 is further expected to bolster the overall rail transit network in the country, including Berlin’s U-Bahn and S-Bahn transit networks.
12. Singapore Mass Rapid Transit, Singapore
Insider Monkey Score: 113.6
Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), which came into existence in 1987, has been regarded as an expensive metro to construct and maintain, as its expenses marked whopping $111.5 billion by 2021, according to Express.co.uk! It is considered not only Southeast Asia’s oldest metro but is also one that stays the busiest. The whole system spreads across the distance of 140 miles, with six elevated lines. The most recent installations in the system, however, are based underground. Moreover, MRT also caters to public needs of shelters from any potential air-raid, which speaks about the network’s usefulness to the public.
11. Mexico City STC Metro, USA
Insider Monkey Score: 136.4
Vast and cheap metro transit system is increasingly demanded in the Mexico City, due to its immense traffic and pollution problems, and that’s highly catered by the STC Metro – which was constructed in 1969 and is regarded as the 2nd biggest metro of U.S., boasting a network of 12 lines, 195 stations, 115 of which are based underground, and spanning across 140 miles of tracks. STC Metro is just behind New York’s metro transit network, which is the biggest one in the country. Mexico City STC Metro is 11th on our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World.
This transit system offers a space where people from different backgrounds can escape from socio-economic divides in the city, also taking them away from the streets marked by pollution and congestion. Contract, worth $90.4 million, was settled in 2021, with the Spanish group, COMSA, which has undertaken the responsibility of maintenance and refurnishing of the Metro Line 1, according to Railway Technology.
10. Paris Métro, France
Insider Monkey Score: 181.2
Paris’ metro transit system, which is called The Paris Metropolitan, or simply, the Paris Métro, offers scenes showcasing the most profound urbanization. The system spans across 16 lines in the city, with 308 stations in between them. Coming into existence in 1900, the Paris Métro intertwines with the cultural tapestry of the city, just like London’s Underground in U.K, connecting the commuters with museums and art galleries, and many other landmarks, which help it become a day-to-day element of life in Paris.
Interestingly, even though billions have been invested by Paris in automating its Metro lines, the old-fashioned trains having manual doors can still be seen in the city; the locals can be seen getting out of the metro while the train is still in its groove, which is a sight to see for the first timers. Moreover, good news came out that new Paris Métro, named Grand Paris Express (GPE), is under construction, which has already costed whopping $39 billion, and is expected to serve 2 million commuters daily, by 2030, according to Forbes.
9. Tokyo Subway, Japan
Insider Monkey Score: 194.2
Tokyo consists of two subway systems, namely, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. When intertwined together, the result that comes out is a dense transit system boasting 13 lines and 286 stations, going past by renowned Tokyo districts. Moreover, the stations increasingly overrun in terms of capacity, despite the fact that the trains operate round about 24 times each hour; sometimes, they operate more than 200% of their planned design limits, which showcases the extreme popularity of the subway, and the swarming nature of the Tokyo. Tokyo Subway is 9th on our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World.
Tokyo Metro Co., a joint-stock entity which comprises of the ownership of Government of Japan and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, recently expressed its intent to go public in January 2024, expecting to raise approximately $2 billion, which the company aims to capitalize on by recovering the losses incurred due to the earthquake in the country, back in 2021, according to Reuters. Tokyo Metro Co. is the company which runs the Tokyo Metro.
8. Madrid Metro, Spain
Insider Monkey Score: 195.4
Madrid is ranked as the 50th most populated city in the world (6.8 million), and yet, commendably, it has a metro system that sets itself apart from the rest. Madrid Metro spreads across 182 miles of track, boasting 300 stations, which makes it the 6th longest metro in the world. Its metro transit system becomes a connecting point across the whole city, which appeals to commuters, be it locals or visitors.
Reported in January 2024 by Railway Technology, a debt agreement was finalized by Madrid Metro, with European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO), worth $898 million to foster its purchase of 80 new trains, which shows its commitment to provide an efficient and seamless metro transit to the community, which is continually upgraded.
7. London Underground, UK
Insider Monkey Score: 211
London saw its first subterranean line – the renowned “Tube” – start to operate, back in 1863, which is regarded as one of the oldest metro systems in the world. After beginning with the steam trains that ran underground from Paddington to Farringdon, the network has evolved significantly over time, boasting in today’s time, a system of 272 stations running through a distance of 250 miles, with 11 lines. The Tube is 7th on our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World.
The population that relies on the city’s metro system totals over 4 million, as the system reaches areas beyond London, extending on to nearby counties like Essex, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. While the Tube has been known to be based under the ground, it has more than 50% of its system running above the ground. It is now engraved in the rich culture of London, becoming a landmark in red, white, and blue roundels, which is recognized by many around the world!
In addition to this, $312.2 million funding was promised by the government in December 2023 to help London’s transit system grow in 2024; specifically, the funding is supposedly going to be used for installation of new Tube trains, pertaining to the Piccadilly line, according to BBC News.
6. Moscow Metro, Russia
Insider Monkey Score: 213.6
On our list of 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World, we have Moscow’s Metro on 6th place, which is Russia’s most celebrated achievement, in terms of the country’s transit system. It boasts huge underground stations, which are beautifully decorated, giving an honor to soldiers, workers, and peasants. Interestingly, the transit system was not only intended for the commute purposes, but also to provide refuge in the times of potential nuclear strikes.
More than 8 million Russians commute through the metro every day, making it one of the world’s most crowdy metro network in the world. The network covers 269 miles of tracks, encompassing 258 stations, which speaks great deal about its importance to Russians’ daily commute. Recently, in early 2023, Big Circle Line was inaugurated – a project worth $6.7 billion, further showcasing the rapid development taking place in the city’s metro system.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Largest Metro Networks in The World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
