During the 19th century, London was the world’s largest city. Its streets were once so congested that travel above ground became nearly impossible. To address this, solicitor and reformer Charles Pearson proposed a groundbreaking idea - an underground railway.
What started as a way to ease traffic became a model for cities worldwide. From steam to electric trains, shallow tunnels to deep-level tubes, London’s underground rail has continually evolved to meet the needs of modern life.
This article explores how London’s Underground shaped not just the city, but the future of urban transit.
The world’s first Underground railway
In 1854, Parliament approved a railway between Paddington and Farringdon. By 1860, the Metropolitan Railway had raised the required £1 million. Workers constructed the 3.75-mile route using the ‘cut and cover’ method - digging a trench, adding a roof, and restoring the road above it.
This ambitious project was more than a solution to congestion; it proved underground railways could transform urban transport, setting a precedent for networks worldwide.
The first Underground journey
The Metropolitan Railway was officially opened to the public on 10th January 1863 Operating every 20 minutes until midnight, it successfully transported 38,000 passengers on its opening day. Within its first year, the railway carried a remarkable 9.5 million passengers.
Steam below ground
As more companies expanded the network, parliament envisioned a circuit linking London’s major rail termini. In 1884, the District Railway joined the Metropolitan Railway which became the Circle Line.
Operating steam trains underground posed challenges, highlighting the need for safer, more efficient alternatives and paving the way for electrification.
Deep Tubes and electric power
Expanding deeper underground required electric trains. In 1886, the City and South London Railway began boring tunnels, and by 1907, the line stretched from Clapham to Euston. The Central London Railway, launched in 1900, earned the nickname ‘Twopenny Tube’ for its flat fare.
Later, the Metropolitan and District Railways replaced their steam trains with electric. Switching from steam to electric power was a turning point for the Underground. It proved the system could adapt, making deeper tunnels and faster, cleaner travel possible.
Becoming the London Underground
In 1902, separate companies formed the ‘Underground Group,’ and in 1908, they collectively branded their services as ‘the Underground.’ Standardised maps, signage, and the iconic roundel logo helped to build a unified identity
Government funding in the 1920s spurred further expansion, with electric services extending to Rickmansworth and Watford. The Underground Group even built London’ tallest building at the time - 55 Broadway - to serve as its headquarters.
In 1933, Labour Transport Minister Herbert Morrison nationalised the Underground under the newly created ‘London Passenger Transport Board.’ Despite initial struggles with poor services and working conditions, the introduction of the ‘New Works Programme’ in 1937 spurred expansion, electrification, and modernisation, leading to what many called the ‘golden age’ of the London Underground.
Post-War Nationalisation
After World War II, the Underground recruited Caribbean workers to work on the tube. In 1948, it was nationalised under the British Transport Commission. However, investment was redirected to-war damaged railways, leading to aging infrastructure and service declines.
Return to London control
In 1965, the Greater London Council (GLC) took control of the Underground, spurring investment improvements. The Victoria Line opened in 1968, followed by expansions on the Piccadilly and Jubilee Lines, allowing the network to grow with the city’s needs.
Challenges of the 1980s
The 1980s saw political disputes over fares and funding cuts. The King’s Cross fire in 1987 led to safety overhauls. Meanwhile, ‘Private Finance Initiatives’ (PFIs) were introduced to fund expansions like the Jubilee Line Extension, which ran over budget but opened in time for the Millennium.
The Transport for London era
In 2000, Transport for London (TfL) was created to oversee the city’s transport. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed to modernise infrastructure but faced delays and cost overruns. Eventually, TfL took full responsibility for upgrades, ensuring a more strategic approach to long-term investment.
Increasing capacity
The London Underground has continued to grow, with new extensions and services improving access and easing congestion. The Northern Line has now extended to Battersea, and the London Overground and Elizabeth Line have been introduced. In 2016, the Night Tube launched on key routes, offering late-night services on weekends. Contactless payments and Oyster cards have also replaced paper tickets, streamlining travel across the system.
As demand continues to grow, each new upgrade reinforces the Underground’s ability to meet the needs of an ever-changing city.
Underground trains today
Today, London Underground runs over 250 miles of track, with 11 lines. Of its 272 stations, only 33 are south of the River Thames. Nearly two billion journeys take place annually, cementing its role as a vital part of city life.
Beyond London, underground rail networks operate in cities such as Glasgow and Tyne and Wear, while Liverpool’s Merseyrail features subterranean routes. Manchester once considered an underground railway but instead integrated the route into its tram network.
With over 200 underground systems worldwide, each can trace its origins back to London’s pioneering steam-powered journey in 1863. A testament to the lasting impact of that first step beneath the streets.
