Why is a Subway Called a Metro?

Both terms, subway and metro, often refer to similar transit systems, but their usage can vary based on cultural and regional preferences. While these terms might seem interchangeable, each has its own distinct connotations and regional meanings.

Etymology and Definitions

The term subway is predominantly used in North America and is a generic term for a rapid transit system where some or all of the route runs underground. In contrast, the term metro has a broader usage in various English-speaking countries, often referring to a passenger rail system for local journeys within a city. In London, for example, the term The Tube is used specifically for the underground trains, which are part of the London Underground network. In Australia, a subway can also refer to an underground walkway or a chain of shops selling rolls.

Regional Usage and Variations

In the United States, the term subway is widely used to describe the city’s rapid transit system. In New York, for instance, the first two companies were the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit) and BRT (Brooklyn Rapid Transit), which later became the BMT (Brooklyn Manhattan Transit). The term 'subway' likely originated from the generic term for an underground passage, and it was applied to the transit system due to its underground nature.

In London, the term The Tube is commonly used, indicating that the term 'subway' is not always the same as 'metro' outside North America. Similarly, in other cities like Melbourne, Australia, a subway can be an underground walkway, whereas in cities like Budapest, metro refers to the underground passenger transport system.

Historical and Economic Factors

Urban rail systems can be categorized based on their construction and operation. Strictly speaking, a subway refers to railways that operate entirely underground, whereas a metro can include both underground and above-ground tracks. In some cases, the term metro is used to describe a more integrated urban rail system, as seen in cities like Paris or Moscow.

The cost and difficulty of constructing underground lines also play a role. Due to the high wages of construction workers, particularly in the United States, building underground lines is more expensive. As a result, some urban rail systems combine above-ground and below-ground tracks, leading to the term Metro being used more accurately for such systems.

Conclusion

The choice of the term subway or metro often comes down to historical and regional factors. In the United States, the term subway got its name from the generic term for an underground passage, which was applied to the rapid transit system due to its underground nature. Other regions might use different terms depending on the specific transit system and its history.

The difference between the terms reflects the evolution of urban transit systems and the cultural contexts in which they operate. Whether you’re in New York calling it the subway, London calling it the Tube, or another city with its own unique term, the essence of these transit systems remains the same: providing efficient, convenient, and reliable transportation within urban areas.