Even before the appearance of skyscrapers and automobiles that cluttered up city streets, some of the world’s greatest cities began to consider their options beneath ground level. With increasing population levels during the last decades of the 19th century and first decades of the 20th century, traffic became an issue. The answer was to construct rapid transit systems capable of transporting large numbers of individuals through tunnels, trenches and above-ground railways.
Metro systems have had a profound impact on urban development. They reduced travel time, extended neighborhoods, facilitated economic development and served as emblems of modernization. Many continue to function into the present day, incorporating contemporary railcars but maintaining their historical heritage. Here’s a look at the world’s oldest metro systems and the cities they helped shape.