metro

Metro is a rapid transit system in urban areas, designed for high-capacity, high-frequency service. The term, derived from the French Métropolitain, is used in many languages to describe an urban rail network that is primarily grade-separated from other traffic. Depending on country, these systems may be called the metro, subway, underground, or tube.

A typical metro consists of multiple lines with trains running on exclusive guideways—often underground in central areas and elevated or at-grade in suburbs. Trains are electric, usually with automated or semi-automated signaling to maintain frequent service. Modern systems emphasize accessibility, climate control, and passenger information, with features like platform screen doors and precise arrival times.

History: The first metro opened in London in 1863 as the Metropolitan Railway, originally steam-powered and later electrified. The concept spread worldwide in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with extensive expansion after World War II and continued modernization into the 21st century, including automation on several lines.

Scope and examples: Major networks include Paris Métro, Moscow Metro, Tokyo Metro, Shanghai Metro, Seoul Metro, Delhi Metro, Mexico City Metro, and Istanbul Metro. In some cities, the term metro is not used; for example, London uses Underground, and New York City uses Subway.

Other uses: The word Metro is also used for free daily newspapers in many cities and for a video game franchise based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novels (Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, Metro Exodus).