THE LONDON UNDERGROUND

• AKA “The Tube”• Oldest underground

network in the world• 270 stations• 11 lines• 270 miles • 3.2 million passengers

Why underground?

• Congested streets• No transport links to

the City

• Idea by Charles Pearson• Received financial backing in 1854

Opened 1863 Opened 1868

Opened 1884

Charles PearsonSolicitor , City of London

ConstructionCut and Cover Method

The Tunnelling Shield

• Invented by James Henry Greathead

• Deep underground tunnels• Eliminated disruption• Protected workers and

stopped tunnel subsiding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=YDFpC4O0roA#t=220s

• Dig three metres a day• First line finished in

four years

Used in the construction of:

• Last line: extension of Jubilee Line, 1999• Connected Canary Wharf financial district

Tunnel constructed by Kawasakio Earth Pressure Balance (E.P.B) boring machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2W6KLvwz-CU#t=47s

The trains

• Steam trains• Ventilation

• Used on sub-surface lines

• First used 1890• Deep level tube lines• Cleaner, quieter, faster

The Tube today

The Future

• Currently under construction• “Underground mainline” service• Connect the City, Heathrow and West End with

commuter areas

• Direct travel across the city• Reduce congestion on Tube

New trains:• 200m long• 1500 person capacity• Accessible for people with restricted mobility• Comfortable passenger experience

Paddington

Tottenham Court Road

Canary Wharf

The Route

New York City Subway

• First line opened in 1904

• 10 major trunk lines

• 421 stations• Runs some 24

hour lines

Paris Metro

• 16 lines• 301 stations• Main construction

1900-1920• Dense network 245

stations within 34 sq miles

Tokyo

• 8.7 million passengers a day• 13 lines• 274 stations• Began operation

1927