Public transportation can be a great way to get around a city, whether you’re a regular or a tourist. You’ve probably heard of Tokyo’s legendary rail system, London’s “Tube” and New York’s subway. Here are a few more cities around the world whose transit systems are more than just efficient, they’re a major part of their city’s story.
Hong Kong
As of 2017, 90 percent of trips made each day in Hong Kong involved public transport. Hong Kong’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is clean, cheap and convenient, connecting every corner of the city. There’s free Wi-Fi in every station and features like Braille plates that improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities.
Seoul, South Korea
The Seoul Metro serves around eight million passengers per day and features cell service and Wi-Fi. Some subway cars even have heated seats. The only downside is that service ends fairly early for a major city, around midnight.
Madrid, Spain
The glory of the Madrid metro system lies in the numbers. This city has one of the longest metro systems in the world, with 294 kilometers of track and another 386 kilometers of suburban rails. One station even contains a 200-square-meter archeological museum!
I love trying out the transportation systems in different places; it really gives you a chance to get to know the city. Of course, we’re all a little biased to our local system—I use the “T” here in Boston practically every day!
