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 Pearson Solicitor, City of London
Construction Cut and Cover Method
The Tunnelling Shield Invented by James Henry Greathead Deep underground tunnels Eliminated disruption Protected workers and stopped tunnel subsiding 4O0roA#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
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 major trunk lines 421 stations Runs some 24 hour lines
Paris Metro 16 lines 301 stations Main construction Dense network 245 stations within 34 sq miles
Tokyo 8.7 million passengers a day 13 lines 274 stations Began operation 1927