The Tube and the Paris Metro
by Nilma Dole
 In London, it is known as the
‘The Tube’ and in Paris, just the Paris Metro. However, everywhere you
go, there is no doubt that the underground line is the easiest and
quickest way to reach your destination. It might be a little spooky when
you venture there during the night time alone but with its high security
measures, even women can travel alone on the Metro.
You can purchase your ticket at kiosks, in London you can obtain an
oyster card or an orange coloured train ticket. Oyster cards need to be
topped up and these could be done anywhere if you have a credit card.
If you’re using the Paris Metro, then buy a little Metro ticket at a
kiosk and enjoy the ride! When heading on the Tube to any destination in
London, the nickname “the Tube” comes from the circular tube-like
tunnels and platforms through which the trains travel. The London
Underground, Underground or Tube are other names Londoners fondly refer
to the underground mode of transport.
It is a rapid transit system serving a large part of Greater London
and neighbouring areas of Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire in
the UK. The first section was opened in 1863, and was the first
underground railway system in the world while in 1890, it was also the
first to operate electric trains.
It is usually referred to as the Underground or the Tube-the latter
deriving from the shape of the system’s deep-bore tunnels-although about
55% of the network is above ground. Even if the automatic doors close on
you and you missed Tube time, never fear for every 5 minutes, sharp on
time is the next tube train to take you to your destination. The English
are very keen on their punctuality and over here, running to Sri Lankan
time will not be tolerated as an excuse.
The Underground has 270 stations and about 400 km (250 miles) of
track, making it the longest metro system in the world by route length.
It also has one of the highest number of stations.
In 2007, more than one billion passenger journeys were recorded,
making it the third busiest metro system in Europe. In Paris, instead of
automatic, you can open the doors at your will with the little handles
on each entry/exit points which is a bit difficult especially on French
manicured nails.
 Rather than the London Tube, the Parisians do not maintain their
Metro to the spick and span standards of the Brits which is evident
because there is no litter bin. The Paris Metro trains have old
fashioned seats with minimal seats while the Brits maximise their space
by even getting commuters who stand a little relief with a high seat if
they get down at the next stop.
The Paris Metro or Metropolitan (French: Metro de Paris) is the rapid
transit system in Paris. It is a symbol of the city, notable for its
station architecture, influenced by Art Nouveau. It has 16 lines, mostly
underground, and a total length of 214 km. There are 300 stations. Since
some are served by several lines, there are 384 stops in total.
Paris has the most closely spaced subway stations in the world, with
245 stations within the 105 sq. km City of Paris. Lines are numbered 1
to 14, with two minor lines, 3bis and 7bis. The minor lines were
originally part of lines 3 and 7 but became independent. Lines are
identified on maps by number and colour. Direction of travel is shown by
the terminus station.
Paris is the second busiest metro system in Europe. It carries 4.5
million passengers a day, and an annual total of 1.388 billion (2007).
Chatelet-Les Halles, with 5 Metro lines and 3 RER lines, is the world’s
largest underground station. |
