Background
These are my reflections based on my blog the world according to Cosmos.
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Seoul and DC opened their subways in 1974. I rode both for the first time in 1979. Both had about the same number of stations five or six stations on one line. What a difference 50 years has made. Seoul has build a world class subway system with over 24 lines, and over 600 stations stretching over 200 miles, while DC has build five lines and many people consider it to be among the worst subway systems in the world. I rode both for the first time in 1979 and I have been riding both ever since. I love the Seoul Metro and am glad that it has become one of the best subways in the world and I am very disappointed at the deterioration of the DC subway system and concur in the opinion that is now one of the worst mass transit systems in the world.

Seoul World Class System in 50 Years
50 years later since opening in 1974, the Seoul city subway has grown to be the biggest subway system in the world with 24 lines over 500 station stretching over 200 miles connecting many outlining cities too so as part of one integrated mass transit system connecting to subways in Eonjongbu, Incheon, Suwon and Taejon. it is cheap, efficient, fast. safe and foreigner-friendly. Most people in the Capital metro area live within a half a mile of a station. There are five more lines being planned and build. By 2025 there will be over 600 stations.
The GTX express subway lines are being built deep underground. When completed all parts of the capitol will be reachable within 30 minutes as opposed to two hours now. The first line opened in May this year, the remaining two lines open in 2028.  Cities around the world are looking at this innovative new way of building mass transit systems.
The signs are and all announcements are in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese, and are very clear. Each subway station has a has a TV screen for stop announcements in the four languages. The fair machines operate in four languages as well.
The subway attendance all speak some English and are very helpful and friendly. Every subway stop has clean restrooms. Every station has services and restaurants, a number of stations featuring long underground shopping malls. The metro system makes so much money in renting shops and services and advertising that the fares are heavily subsided. You can pay by phone, credit card or T transit card. The trains are very clean and people can eat on the train without fear of being arrested. Close to 70% use the train frequently . The trains are safe, violent crime is almost unheard of, and there has never been a derailment or serious accident, the trains are repaired quickly, maintenance is never neglected. Foreign visitors love the system and use it frequently as it is quite foreigner friendly. Ridership at night is quite strong due to newly imposed strict drunk driving laws. the system runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The bus system is equally impressive and some lines run 24/7. They just rolled out a few driverless bus routes, and there are two driverless LRT systems in place.
DC Metro a Broken System
Contrast that with the DC Metro.
The DC Metro has five lines about 125 stations and will finally connect to the Dulles Airport next year, 50 years after first planning to extend to the airport. the system was planned before the dramatic development of suburban Virginia and Maryland and the system does not serve the suburban areas very well as the majority of the train stations are in DC, or Arlington county. Because there is only one tunnel under the river trains to Virginia are forced to use one tunnel making it difficult to schedule trains. The train are expensive, overcrowded, dangerous and only about 25% of the region are within a one mile walk to the a train stations. there have been a number of derailments, fires, and violent attacks on the subway.
It takes months to repair the escalators which are frequently broken. The stations do not have restrooms or any service and is against the law to eat or drink on the train. The Subway has just added Wifi, The loudspeaker system is very poor and most of the time you cannot hear the announcement; announcements are only in English, and Spanish.  The transfer stations are few and far between. In one instance there are two stations on two different lines about 1/8 of a mile apart with no underground connections like you find all over the Seoul metro system.
The subway fare machines are also only in English. The cost to use the metro is about 10 times the cost of using the Seoul Metro, in recent years, a number of stations have been taken off-line for repairs. The attendants are not friendly or helpful. Only ten percent of the public use the metro but half of tourists use the metro. and the metro is confusing and foreigner unfriendly. The bus system is also inadequate although there are a few quasi Bus rapid lines open. Last year the system finally allowed one to pay by credit card or by phone, something that people have been able to do in Seoul for ten years. On the plus side, the metro has rolled out new cars, and completed repairs on many stations and opened a few in-filled stations like in Potomac Yards next to the new Amazon DC headquarters.  There is also a commuter rail line in Virginia and In Maryland -VRE and MARC. Baltimore has its own metro line,
What Accounts for the Difference in Outcomes?
What accounts for these different outcomes for systems that were build in the same year?
In Korea, there was widespread support for the government to build a world class subway system, a willingness to spend tax dollars on it, and everyone uses the system not just the lower classes as in the U.S., fewer environmental regulations, and few areas to block construction unlike in the U.S. where excessive regulation and ability to block construction make building transit systems particularly challenging not to mention the widespread hostility to government infrastructure spending using tax money.  Also given the low density nature of urban suburban sprawl in the U.S. metro areas, it is difficult to build out such a system. Although LA is doing a fantastic job of doing so.
Political Will to Construct a World Class System in Seoul
First, and foremost the Korean government put money, effort and political will into building a modern world class transportation and infrastructure. Much of the cost of the metro comes through rental revenues and advertisement income. Less than 50 % comes from fares because the government subsidizes fares to keep the cost of using the system very reasonable to ensure larger ridership.
Second ,in Korea public domain laws are very strong and it is almost impossible to block extensions of either subways or freeway system and there would be no support for blocking construction. In fact there is strong support for continuing expanding the system and five more lines are under planning or construction, including the GTX system which will make all areas of Seoul accessible within 30 minutes as opposed to the two hours it can sometimes take. The first line opened this May, the remaining two lines open by 2028.
Third, there is no requirements for environmental impact assessments or other regulatory burdens that make it difficult to build public infrastructure in the United States
Forth, there is broad public support for Government investment in infrastructure, and lack of hostility towards government spending.
Fifth, the subway system is managed very efficiently. There are actually four Corporation involved but coordination it's very well-done and the user does not even know that there are four corporations involved, for the user there is only one system. Transfers between different lines is easy as there are always underground passageways connecting the different lines.
Sixth, the metro system goes everywhere in the metro area. Everyone is within a half a mile walk from the nearest subway station.
Finally, and most importantly, everyone uses the metro, even the wealthy use the system from time to time, It is truly a mass transit system for the benefit of the public.
Contrast this with the DC Metro Experience - Lack of Political Will to Construct and Maintain a World Class System
The DC Metro generates about half of revenues through fares, There is no rental income, but some advertisement income and parking fee income as well. . Keeping fares low was never a priority for the system. There is no dedicated funding. The system is run jointly by DC ,Virginia, Maryland and the federal government and they don't often agree on fundamental issues, and no one is really in charge. Lack of funding especially no rental income and marginal ad revenue and parking revenues, has always meant that the system neglected maintenance to the point that they have to rebuild the system station by station at a very high cost. The constant construction has resulted in many riders fleeing the system, leading to decreased revenues and the need to increase fares due to the shortage of fare income. In many respects the DC metro system is a perfect case study of how not to manage a large transit system whereas the Seoul system is a poster child for proper transit system management.
Second, although there is support for the Metro among residents of DC there is not that much support. in the outer suburbs and congressman from rural areas are hostile to spending tax dollars to support public transit improvements as it does not benefit their constituents. Due to Gerrymandering and the requirement that each state has two Senators, rural interests are vastly over represented in Congress. Related to this is the widespread feeling that all government spending is somehow bad, and that the private sector will and should solve all problems. The Republican party is also committed to keeping taxes as low as possible especially for the rich donor class, and starving the federal government of needed funds for such things as infrastructure improvements. and will not consider raising taxes today for infrastructure especially mass transit. There is a wide spread feeling that transit systems should be funded entirely through fares, while freeways should be kept free to users.
Only Losers Use Public Transit
Since so few people actually use the system, and there is a widespread feeling that only lower class people use the system, there is little political support for the system which is used by other people. Or as Homer Simpson said once, "only losers ride the bus." Unfortunately the view is widespread in the U.S. As a result, US infrastructure has been consistently rated a D- grade by the American Association for Civil Engineering.  Even with the passage of the infrastructure bill, the amount of money being spent on infrastructure is a fraction of what is needed and there is no political will to raise taxes or borrow trillion of dollars to rebuild America's crumbling third-world looking infrastructure, particularly mass transit systems which are mostly used by the poor.
Government Quit Investing in Infrastructure Starting in the late 70's
Related to this the government starting in the 1980s, quit making investments in public infrastructure and the cost to rebuild American infrastructure will exceed $3 trillion. There is no political well to cut bloated defense and national security spending to devote to rebuilding infrastructure nor is there any willingness to raise taxes to pay for infrastructure investments. This corresponds with the rise of hostility to government spending on anything other than national defense, and the rise of the right-wing in the U.S. where hostility towards government, and government spending is the main motivational factor.. Not to mention, the strong desire to keep taxes as low as possible.
Third, environmental regulations, legal restrictions and the NIMBY ( Not in my backyard) feeling makes planning and funding infrastructure very difficult.
Fourth, the system was not planned out very well there's no equivalent to the number two line circular line and transferring between stations is difficult . There is one station where two lines come together about a 1/8 a mile apart but there is no underground passageway connecting the two lines. When the system was planned in the late 60's, most people commuted to jobs in the district or in Arlington county. No one anticipated the rapid development of Fairfax, London and Prince William counties in Virgina and suburban Maryland as well. Thus the stations no longer go where people need to go.
Kissinger Moved the Metro from the State Department Fearing Some One Would Bomb the State Department
An interesting anecdote is that the original plan was for a Metro stop under the State Department with an underground passageway to the Kennedy Center .Kissinger felt that someone might blow up the State Department ordered the line to be relocated 3/4 mile away, and an underground passage way to the Kennedy center was never built. But he did not have that fear about the Pentagon station which goes right underneath the Pentagon and has become a major bus transit station as well.
Georgetown Station Blocked by fear too many black people would use the system to go to Georgetown.
The planned station in Georgetown was block by opposition from mostly white locals who were afraid too many black undesirables would be able to easily get to Georgetown.
No One In Charge Divided Responsibilities
Finally, because the metro is divided between the District, Maryland and Virgina (DMV) and the federal government and no one is really charge it is very difficult to manage the system. This is compounded by the lack of dedicated funding and almost no rental income. All of which makes it difficult to keep up on maintenance or to expand the system which needs to be done. The DC metro area has grown to over 7 million people and is close to NYC in population density without the transit and other infrastructure to support such a large population.
Recommendations for DC Metro
My recommendations to the DC metro system is to ask for dedicated funding, to open retail services in all stations in order to the increase revenues and ridership. Add restrooms to each station. Lift the ban on eating and drinking on the trains. Fix the announcement system and make all announcements in English, Spanish and perhaps Chinese? make the fare boxes trilingual as well.
Reorganize the system to become the Metropolitan Metro authority with authority over the trains, the bus systems and the commuter railroads. An advisory committee consisting of representatives of DC, Maryland, Virginia, the Federal Government, staff members of Congress, Congressmen, riders and employees would advise the board.
Expand or Die
The DC metro needs to dramatically expand the number of stations, doubling the number of stations within ten years and expanding the system all the way to Quantico in Virginia and all the way to Baltimore where it would connect to the Baltimore transit system. They also need to construct another tunnel under the river.
The Metro system needs to develop an ambitious plan to double the number of station within ten years including building a new tunnel underground river under the Potomac River and building two Circular lines, an inner line and an outer line, perhaps on top of 495, 395 and 295, (Note: Seoul needs to build an outer circular line as well end note)
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One line would go down to Quantico, going through Ford Belvoir, another line should connect Springfield to Tysons and a final line should be constructed along Columbia Pike and Little River Turnpike. in Maryland I would build a line along Rockville Pike, and build a line connecting Colombia to Baltimore connecting with the Baltimore metro system.
Visit Seoul for Inspiration and to Learn How to Do it Right
The metro board should travel to East Asia and see not only the Seoul Metro, but also the Beijing, Bangkok, Hong Kong,, Tapei, and the new Jarkata metros as well as the Calcuta, Dehli and Mumbai metro systems. They should also go to London, Mexico City, Madrid, Paris, Rome and Moscow to see what world class subways systems look like and how they were able to build these state of the art systems.
,The writer, a retired US diplomat living in Gimpo, Korea first rode both systems in 1979 and has used both systems over the years. He is very pleased at the development of the Seoul system into one of the best in the world, and very disappointed in the deterioration of the DC Metro over the same time period.
the Seoul Metro system is divided up as follows:
Seoul Metro
Total Ridership: Approximately 2.9 billion passengers annually1.
Daily Ridership: Around 7.32 million passengers per day2.
Line 9 (Private Metro)
Total Ridership: About 225 million passengers annually3.
Daily Ridership: Approximately 616,000 passengers per day3.
Seoul Airport Express (AREX)
Total Ridership: Specific annual ridership data not readily available, but it serves a significant number of passengers traveling between Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport4.
Korail (Commuter Train System)
Total Ridership: Approximately 969 million passengers annually5.
Incheon City Lines
Line 1: Around 29 stations.
Line 2: Around 27 stations.
Total Ridership: Specific annual ridership data not readily available.
Uijeongbu LRT
Total Ridership: Specific annual ridership data not readily available, but it serves a significant number of passengers in the Uijeongbu area6.
Suwon LRT
Total Ridership: Specific annual ridership data not readily available, but it serves a significant number of passengers in the Suwon area6.
Gold Line - Gimpo 12 stations - driverless system - the system closest to my house. I live a 1/2 mile walk away.
Ilsang - Ansan system - newest system 30 stations
Daejeon City Lines
Total Ridership: Specific annual ridership data not readily available, but it serves a significant number of passengers in the Daejeon area6.
GTX Express Trains three lines one is operational the rest go on line in 2028
Total Ridership: Still under construction, but expected to serve a large number of passengers once operational6.
HOME
METRO LINE MAP
SEOUL METROPOLITAN SUBWAY MAP
Seoul Metropolitan Subway
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is a metropolitan railway system in Seoul, South Korea. This map includes the Incheon Metro system and the Shinbundang Line covering the Seoul metropolitan area. All together system consists of 24 lines and 580 stations. The Seoul Metropolitan Subway began operation in August 1974.
Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map
Metro Lines
Incheon Subway Line 1 (Gyeyang - International Business District)
Incheon Subway Line 2 (Geomdan Oryu - Unyeon)
e 1 (Soyosan - Gwangmyeong)
Line 1 (Soyosan - Seodongtan)
e 2 Seongsu Branch (Seongsu - Sinseol-dong)
Line 2 Sinjeong Branch (Sindorim - Kkachisan)
Line 3 (Daehwa - Ogeum)
Line 4 (Danggogae - Oido)
Line 5 Macheon Branch (Banghwa - Macheon)
e 7 (Jangam - Bupyeong-gu Office)
e 8 (Amsa - Moran)
Gyeonguiâ€"Jungang Line (Munsan - Yongmun)
Gyeongchun Line (Kwangwoon University - Chuncheon)
Line (Hanyang Univ. at Ansan - Incheon)
Shinbundang Line (Gangnam - Gwanggyo)
Everline (Giheung - Jeondae â€" Everland)
U Line (Balgok - Tapseok)
Gyonggang Line (Pangyo - Yeoju)
Other Metro systems in South Korea
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Busan Metro
Daegu Metro
Daejeon Metro
Gwangju Metro
Seoul Metropolitan Subway
Riding through some of the world's most impressive metro systems will make your urban trip more than just traveling from point A to point B. These metro stations will provide you with efficiency and cleanliness, a pinch of local flavor,or a story that will stay with you forever. Also, these metro systems elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary, housing anything from underground art galleries to cutting-edge wonders that whiz past historic sites.
1. Tokyo, Japan A Timeliness System
Tokyo's metro system sets the gold standard if you're looking for punctuality. With a network that feels like a living, breathing entity, it's a marvel of precision engineering and courteous service. The trains are famously timely, and the stations are immaculately clean. Plus, it's more than simply transportation; it's a whole cultural experience, with each line narrating the city's history.
2. Seoul, South Korea The Digital Dynamo
A haven for techies, the Seoul Metro integrates modern conveniences with state-of-the-art amenities. It is a futuristic system with features like digital screens showing real-time travel information and trains equipped with Wi-Fi. You can easily navigate this extensive network with the T-money card. In addition, the cleanliness is top-notch.
3. Moscow, Russia â€" An Underground Palace
Stepping into Moscow's metro stations is like walking into a wealthy art gallery. Decorated with mosaics, statues, and chandeliers, each station has its own theme and history, making your commute feel like a cultural expedition. Despite its grandeur, Moscow's metro is also one of the most efficient, carrying millions of passengers daily with minimal fuss.
4. London, England The Historical Pioneer
The London Underground, affectionately known as "The Tube," is the world's oldest metro system. Its iconic map and roundel are recognized globally. While it might not always boast the punctuality of its Asian counterparts, the Tube holds a special place in the heart of Londoners and travelers alike for its role in shaping the modern city and its resilience during adversity.
5. Paris, France â€" The Artistic Commute
Paris's metro is as much a part of the city's fabric as its cafes and boulevards. The art-nouveau entrances of certain stations and the modern art on display at others tell distinct stories. Enjoy a trip that echoes memories of Paris's vivid past and dynamic present on this distinctively Parisian network.
6. Singapore The Clean and Green Express
The MRT system in Singapore is an example of the city-state's dedication to environmental preservation and cleanliness. It's one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world, where eating and drinking are strictly prohibited to maintain its pristine condition. The system is also a ride through a garden, with many stations integrating natural elements and greenery.
7. Hong Kong" The Compact Powerhouse
In the densely packed city of Hong Kong, the MTR system stands out for its efficiency and ease of use. Trains and stations are spotlessly clean, and the Octopus card system makes navigating this metropolis a breeze. It exemplifies how a metro system can become ingrained in a city's core and easily carry millions of people.
8. Madrid, Spain " The Expansive Network
Although it is one of Europe's most extensive metros, Madrid's system stands out for its efficiency and user-friendliness. The stations are spotless, brightly lit, and decorated with artwork, and the trains operate without a hitch. In keeping with the city's kind and inviting vibe, the system manages to be both massive and personal.
9. Berlin, Germany " The Historical Connector
Berlin's U-Bahn takes you on a journey through time. The network navigates through a city that has seen profound changes, and its stations often serve as mini-museums. These stops display photos and artifacts. Beyond its historical allure, the U-Bahn is known for its punctuality, comprehensive coverage, and spirited station art.
10. New York City, USA " The Unstoppable Workhorse
The New York City Subway is the lifeblood of the Big Apple. It may not win any awards for cleanliness, but its 24/7 service and extensive network are unparalleled. Each line has its own personality, and the system serves as a melting pot, reflecting the city's diverse cultures. It's raw, it's real, and it's undeniably New York.
Stockholm, Sweden public transit Provided by Far & Wide
It goes without saying that it's much easier to enjoy a city when you can easily get around it. That's why the best tourism cities boast superb public transit systems publicly subsidized networks of trains, subways, buses and boats that can quickly and cheaply get you where you want to go.
According to John Fairfield, professor of history and urban development at Xavier University, public transit systems have other benefits, too, including a reduced energy footprint and improved safety, as cars are a far more dangerous way to get around. And the best systems have charm and character to boot.
So, which metropolises offer the best public transit systems in the world? It's a somewhat relative question since some people value affordability over efficiency or sustainability over ease. But experts agree that the following city systems are among the finest you'll ever have the pleasure of using.
Spoiler alert: If you want great public transportation, Asia and Europe are the places to go!
25. Santiago, Chile
Metro in Santiago, Chile© Provided by Far & Wide
Professor Fairfield notes that Latin American cities are too often overlooked but deserve kudos. Among these, the system in Santiago stands out.
The capital of Chile got off to a shaky start when it launched its bus and metro network, stymied by communication and implementation issues. But since then, things have improved significantly, and there are plans for further enhancements in the coming years.
Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.
Santiago's Public Transit System
Santiago's Metropolitan Mobility Network allows users to easily and affordably transfer from buses to the metro using the same smart card. If the transfer is within a certain amount of time, no additional charge is applied.Â
Though buses certainly provide access to more places, they are not always reliable or convenient. Because of this, most people prefer to ride the metro, which is fast, dependable and easy to navigate though it's often overcrowded.
24. Taipei, Taiwan
pretty good system.
While often overshadowed by its neighbors, Taipei's public transport system also deserves praise. The Taiwanese capital is often lauded as an incredible place to live, partly because of the ease of getting around with the MRT.
Metro lines are differentiated by color and number and are elevated for the most part. Stations also include English signage to accommodate international travelers and immigrants. About 35 percent of Taipei residents rely on the MRT for transport. As in other Asian cities, the system tends to be punctual and reliable, thanks to an organized system and advanced technology.ÂÂ
While it only has six metro lines, this is more than enough to service the relatively small city. It connects to the airport as well as other main points of interest.
23. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Amsterdam rapid transit system, the GVB, consists of metro lines, buses, trams, trains and of course ferries. Given the city's famous channels, it's important to have an option for getting through water. Still, the system is somewhat limited, with only four metro lines. Given its relatively small size and the 15 tram lines and 43 bus lines that complement it, however, most people find it adequate for their needs. Night buses supplement the interrupted tram service after midnight.
Amsterdam's Public Transit System
Amsterdam locals often opt for monthly passes that let them get around without worrying about getting tickets. This and the cleanliness of the stations contribute to relatively high satisfaction with the system.Â
The GVB is also convenient for travelers, allowing for a single-use card that includes transfers within a one-hour period. Unlimited day and week passes are also available. Amsterdam is famous for its wide use of bicycles. Coupled with an efficient system, the city's infrastructure means that a large percentage of the population doesn't rely on cars to get around.
22. Helsinki, Finland
Typical green-yellow tram in downtown Helsinki Finland Helsinki's yellow-and-green trams have become a symbol of the city. But they are not the only option the transport system (HSL) provides. Like Amsterdam, the city has ferries that connect people to neighboring islands in addition to metro and bus lines.Â
That said, the 20 tram lines are the main way people get around since the metro only has two lines. Both locals and travelers have expressed that this is a plus, as it makes transportation more scenic and pleasant.Â
Helsinki's Public Transit System
The HSL boasts the northernmost metro station in the entire world. Given the city's harsh winters, its effective system is impressive. That said, its overreliance on trams can make it inconvenient during extremely cold weather, which lasts for numerous months of the year
Another drawback of the HSL is that its system is not very affordable, with a single ticket costing more than $3.
21. Washington, D.C.
One correction 125 stations in total.
It's unusual for a capital city not to have the best transit system in the country, but it's even rarer for it to come out in third place. Still, D.C. is well connected, especially by American standards. The city's Metro (yes, that's what the system is called) takes residents and travelers on almost 200 million annual trips.ÂÂ
With 91 Metro stations, as well as numerous bus and train lines that connect the city to its Virginia and Maryland suburbs, the capital caters to its large number of commuters.
About 37.6 percent of D.C. residents commute by public transit. This isn't as high a number as in cities like New York and Chicago, but it's impressive given the car-centric infrastructure of the U.S.ÂÂ
While you can get almost everywhere in the city by Metro, some of the cars are outdated and the system isn't exactly affordable. You'll pay based on how far you go. For people living in the city, this is advantageous. But for a large number of people, it can present a significant commuting cost.
20. Toronto, Canada
Toronto's subway is limited compared to that of other metropolitan cities. It only has four lines, two of which have fewer than six stops. However, the city complements its subway with an intricate system of street cars and buses that make it easy for locals and travelers to get around. According to a 2018, McKinsey & Company report, Toronto's rapid transit system is among the world's top 10 for both convenience and efficiency. Delays are not common, and alternative routes are provided when maintenance is carried out. Frequent stops provide convenience, and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has readily available route maps and a trip planner online. However, Toronto could do better in terms of affordability, as the system also ranked among the lowest 10 systems in terms of cost.
19. Barcelona, Spain
While it can't compete with Spain's capital, Barcelona is proud of its transportation system. And it has every right to be. Though the city and its suburbs are big by European standards, you'll be able to navigate it easily with 12 metro lines, 230 bus lines, trams and night buses. To reach certain places in the hills that surround the city, you'll also find cable cars. The system is intuitive and fairly affordable, which is why a large part of the city's population uses it on a daily basis. One of the greatest advantages of the Barcelona metro is that its trains come within minutes of each other. Thanks to this, you're never left waiting for too long. Delays sometimes happen, though, especially with buses. This can be inconvenient for commuters or during inclement weather.
Given how many people commute in the city, the system is complemented by the FGC commuter trains. Travelers often take advantage of these trains to go on day trips to points of interest in Catalunya.
18. Milan, Italy
Milan stands out as Italy's only city to make it to the top 20 cities for public transit. It has earned its spot by being convenient, efficient and affordable. In fact, in the 2018 McKinsey report, the city ranked No. 1 for affordability.
Although it only has four metro lines, Milan's metro is actually the most extensive in the country. Smart planning has allowed those four lines to service all corners of the city, boasting over 60 miles of coverage. Day passes are available for travelers who want unlimited rides, and metro stations are accommodating to people with limited mobility, which not all European cities have managed to do. Additionally, tickets can either be bought in person at kiosks or online in a convenient app. If you choose to go the digital route, you'll use a QR code to get around rather than a physical ticket.
17. Seoul, South Korea
Outdated info - 24 lines in total with the world's largest system. With just nine lines, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway manages to mobilize people to almost every part of the city. Buses complement the metro, though most visitors will find it unnecessary to use them. An extended network of subway and bus lines connects to nearby cities, including Incheon, where South Korea's main international airport is located. The system is incredibly efficient, with delays being an extremely rare occurrence.
The most impressive thing about Seoul's public transit system is that it handles a city whose metropolitan area is around 25 million people that's almost half the entire population of South Korea. But despite its high traffic volume, cars are never as full as in cities like Tokyo or Paris, where people need to be pushed in to fit.
16. Moscow, Russia
McKinsey ranks Moscow highly in affordability, convenience and efficiency. The system also does well in terms of sustainable development, with careful thought going into its expansion. Twelve metro lines transport millions of people around the city on a daily basis. Buses, trams and trains are also available to city dwellers. Plus, the metro stations are famously some of the most beautiful in the world, with many being lavishly decorated with intricate motifs reminiscent of Imperial Russia. The city stands out in terms of payment convenience, accepting numerous forms of payment that are convenient for visitors from different countries. That said, international travelers may find it difficult to navigate the system without basic knowledge of Russian since signage in other languages is unavailable. To counter this, the Moscow Metro website does offer an English map that you can access or download to your phone.
15. Berlin, Germany
It's impossible to talk about the best public transit systems in the world without mentioning Berlin. the system is "affordable, straightforward, usually punctual and very comprehensive," thoughtfully serving 937 million passengers every year. What's more, Berlin's transportation system is poised to only get better in the coming years: In 2019, the city announced it will be spending nearly $32 billion to beef up its public transit offerings by 2032. There are plans to make the tram system 28 percent more extensive than it is now, to significantly extend the S-Bahn city-rail network and to make every bus in the city electric by 2030.
14. Stockholm, Sweden
Like other cities on this list, Stockholm offers an efficient network of buses, trains, subways and ferries. The subway system aka The Metro, The Tunnelbana or T-bana â€" is particularly highly regarded, known for its cleanliness, safety record and extensiveness. oats are also a wonderful way for travelers to get around, offering affordable, scenic access to major sights like the amusement park Lund and the grand Drottningholm Palace. What really sets this transit system apart is, believe it or not, its art. The Stockholm subway has been dubbed the "world's longest art gallery." Out of 100 stations, more than 90 are adorned with paintings, mosaics, sculptures and other artistic marvels, with inspirations ranging from women's rights to video games to immigration. Look up from your map (or phone) while you travel around the city, and take in the unexpected wonder.
13. Beijing, China
The second-most populous city in the world understands and embraces the need for an uber-efficient public transit system. That said, the subway and buses can get extremely crowded here. The system is generally good at still keeping things running on time, but be prepared to get close to your fellow travelers, especially if traveling during rush hour.
To keep up with demand, Beijing isn't shy about expanding its subway offerings. Case in point: More subway lines were added in 2021. American travelers are also pleased to learn that the system touts plenty of English signage. You don't need to speak a Chinese dialect to get around the metropolitan area relatively quickly.
12. Prague, Czechia
Exploring Prague's picturesque castles, bridges and cathedrals is easy, thanks to a transit system that, as TripAdvisor puts it, is "frequent, punctual, clean and safe."
An efficient network consisting of a metro line, trams and buses are used by two-thirds of Prague's population, and locals give the system sterling reviews. Many appreciate the city's unique ticketing system, which charges based on how long you travel instead of where you're traveling â€" an approach that's both simple and fair. And the city gets bonus points for historic panache. Historical Tram Line No. 41 carries travelers in a streetcar dating back to the 1920s; preserved touches include wooden benches. The line is open April through November on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
11. New York, New York
Yes, yes, we know: New York City's subway system has some serious issues. Tales of rat-infested stations, busted air-conditioning and comically delayed trains (the city has a less-than-stellar 58.1 percent  on-time record) have dominated headlines in recent years. In May 2019, there were even reports of a "supervillain" vandal pulling the emergency brakes on trains, seemingly just to be a jerk.
But it's hard to deny that New York remains an extremely easy city to get around in via public transit so much so that more than half of the city's households don't own a car. The metropolis boasts the world's largest metro network, 472 stations strong, combined with a sprawling bus system that ensures you're pretty much always within striking distance of a way to get where you want to go.
The McKinsey report lists New York City's public transit system as one of the best in the world, noting that " for all their grumbling â€" 77 percent of residents are satisfied with the city's oferings The report also highlights the city's innovations (like adding dedicated bus lanes to reduce travel times) and commitment to reducing the system's energy footprint. Oh, and this is one of the world's leading systems in terms of electronic services, too.
Now, if only the city could do something about those rats and supervillains...
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich prides itself on being a walkable city, but it also offers a wonderful public transit system â€" made up of boats, trams, cable cars and trains" to cater to those who tire of hoofing it. TripAdvisor calls public transit in the city "first class," and singles out the "very clean, inside and out" trains. (Would you expect anything less from the largest city of famously clean Switzerland?) Not only is traveling throughout Zurich easy and clean, but traveling outside the city is just as accommodating.
You can buy  Swiss Travel Pass that allows you to easily connect from the inner-city system to a network of trains, buses and boats that travel to the countryside and charming nearby towns.
9. Shanghai, China
Shanghai modeled its public transit after New York but has bested its inspiration in almost every way. The system here is safe, punctual, affordable and, perhaps most importantly, very efficient, getting top marks in reliability. Plus, the city can boast one of the fastest trains in the world.
This high level of performance is all the more impressive when you consider the system is catering to so many passengers; Shanghai is the most populous city on Earth, and public transportation is responsible for getting more than 2 billion people annually where they need to go. Plus, the city takes transit seriously and is ambitious in its future plans. By 2030, it aims to have a subway system that's five times as long as Hong Kong's MTR, Airport Express and Light Rail lines combined.
8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is becoming increasingly popular among travelers, and its public transit is keeping pace to cater to the throngs. The city has invested heavily in metro, bus and tram systems, pledging over 100 billion Dirham (or $27 billion) to enhance infrastructure in order to keep up with demand.
I would add Bangkok, Delhi, Mumbai and Calcuta, Mexico city to the list of the world'sbest metros.
Author Notes
I first rode the DC metro and the Seoul metro in 1979. The Seoul metro has become the world's largest with 24 lines and 600 stations, and one of the best, the DC metro sadly has not progressed and is stuck at 125 stations in five lines and is struggling to stay alive. to see why there is such a different outcome for these two metros that opened in 1974, read this entry.
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