Tunnelbana

Tunnelbana, commonly known as the Stockholm Metro, is the rapid transit system serving the Swedish capital of Stockholm and parts of adjacent municipalities in Stockholm County. Opened in 1957, it is one of the oldest metro systems in the world and is renowned for its distinctive blue and yellow color scheme, which was introduced in 1965. The system operates as a public transport service managed by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), a regional transport authority.

The Tunnelbana consists of 100 stations spread across three lines: the Green Line (T-bana 13), the Red Line (T-bana 14), and the Blue Line (T-bana 15). The Green Line is the oldest, dating back to the system’s initial opening, while the Blue Line was the last to be completed in 1977. The metro covers a total length of approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) and serves over 1.5 million passengers daily, making it one of the busiest metro systems in Europe.

Stockholm’s Tunnelbana is notable for its integration with other forms of public transport, including buses, trams, and regional trains, allowing for seamless connectivity across the Greater Stockholm area. The system is also recognized for its cultural significance, with many stations featuring artwork by prominent Swedish artists, including Carl Milles and Isaac Grünewald. Some stations, such as T-Centralen and Slussen, serve as major transportation hubs, linking the metro to other modes of travel.

The Tunnelbana operates with automated trains on most lines, though some sections still use manually driven vehicles. The system is maintained and expanded regularly, with ongoing projects aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility. Its efficient service and distinctive design continue to make it an iconic feature of Stockholm’s urban landscape.