London Underground celebrates 160th anniversary

The London Underground celebrates 160 years of carrying passengers across the capital. The underground, which now consists of X lines, first opened on 10 January 1863. Nowadays, commuters commonly refer to the underground as the “Tube“ because the tunnels for some of the lines are round tubes running through the ground. Although its opening day in 1863 was hailed as a success, having carried 38,000 people, today’s “tube“ handles more than five million passenger journeys every day. The line between Farringdon and Paddington was the first of its kind to be built underground. Since then, 11 lines and 270 stations have been built to create one of the best transport systems in the world. The latest line, named after Queen Elizabeth II, was opened by Her Majesty herself in May 2022 Technology on the tube has constantly been changing too, with 5G internet connection now available at many stations, and new ways to pay offered. The London Underground is also famed for hosting thousands of Londoners during the “Blitz“ of WW2. Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: