12 Public Transportation Systems That Were Revolutionary in Their Time
From underground marvels to high-speed wonders, these 12 revolutionary public transportation systems reshaped cities, redefined travel, and set new standards for how people move around the world.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Public transportation has always been a driving force of innovation, transforming the way people navigate cities and connect across vast distances. From the world’s first underground railway in London to Japan’s lightning-fast Shinkansen and Shanghai’s futuristic maglev, these 12 revolutionary systems set new benchmarks in speed, efficiency, and accessibility. Each one not only reshaped urban mobility but also left a lasting impact on culture, technology, and the future of mass transit.
1. The London Underground (1863-Present)
Image from Britannica
The London Underground, or “the Tube,” was the first underground railway in the world, opening in 1863 with steam trains. It transformed city travel by enabling commuters to avoid crowded streets, leading the way for contemporary subway systems. It now carries over a billion passengers annually and still symbolizes effective public transportation.
2. The New York City Subway (1904-Present)
Image from Bloomberg
Opened in 1904, the New York City Subway introduced a vast, interconnected rapid transit network, eventually becoming one of the largest and busiest in the world. Unlike many early underground systems, it was designed with express tracks, allowing faster long-distance travel. Its 24/7 operation remains crucial, setting it apart from most other subway networks.
3. The Trans-Siberian Railway (1891-Present)
Image from Wikipedia
The Trans-Siberian Railway, opened in 1916, is the world’s longest railway line, linking Moscow with Vladivostok over 9,000 kilometers. It was a revolutionary effort that connected distant regions of Russia, accelerating economic development and migration. Today, it is still an important transport artery and engineering triumph.
4. The Paris Métro (1900-Present)
Image from Sortiraparis.com
As it opened for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, the Paris Métro redefined efficiency and access in metropolitan rail transport. Its Art Nouveau entrance stations, which were designed by Hector Guimard, are now symbolic of the city. The network of heavily concentrated stations renders it among the most convenient networks to use in traveling through a large metropolis.
5. The Shinkansen (1964-Present)
Image from nippon.com
Japan’s Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” changed the face of high-speed rail travel when it opened during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was the first to surpass 200 km/h (125 mph), significantly reducing travel times within Japan. Its safety record—essentially zero deaths due to accidents—still stands unmatched in the history of high-speed rail.
6. The Buenos Aires Subte (1913-Present)
Image from Tripadvisor
Latin America’s first subway, the Buenos Aires Subte, debuted in 1913 and demonstrated Argentina’s early investment in public transportation. Its original wooden cars, some of which remained in service until the 21st century, are a cultural artifact. Despite additions, the original Line A stations have a nostalgic charm evoking early European metros.
7. The Moscow Metro (1935-Present)
Image from Tuljak! Travel Blog
The Moscow Metro, which opened in 1935, is not only famous for efficiency but also for its grandeur, with stations that look like underground palaces. Constructed during Stalin’s regime, it was meant to demonstrate Soviet power with chandeliers, mosaics, and sculptures. It is still one of the world’s busiest metro systems today, with trains coming as often as every 90 seconds at peak hours.
8. The Hong Kong MTR (1979-Present)
Image from Pikturenama
Introduced in 1979, the Hong Kong MTR established international standards for efficiency, punctuality, and coordination with urban planning. Its Octopus Card, launched in 1997, was one of the world’s first smart transit payment systems, shaping transit networks around the globe. With almost flawless reliability and high financial autonomy, it is one of the most successful public transport systems in the world.
9. The Curitiba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System (1974-Present)
Image from Development Asia
Curitiba, Brazil, launched the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) concept in 1974, showing that buses could run at a metro-like speed. Exclusive lanes, pre-paid ticketing, and bi-articulated buses made it fast-moving, which replicated itself in BRT systems worldwide. From Bogotá to Jakarta, cities have imitated its example to make city transport cheaper and more accessible.
10. The Docklands Light Railway (1987-Present)
Image from London’s Royal Docks
London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR) pioneered automated, driverless metro systems when it debuted in 1987. It played a key role in rejuvenating the previously run-down Docklands district, demonstrating how transit investment can drive urban growth. The success of the DLR paved the way for subsequent autonomous rail systems, including Copenhagen’s Metro and Vancouver’s SkyTrain.
11. The Bogotá TransMilenio (2000-Present)
Image from The Bogota Post
Launched in 2000, Bogotá’s TransMilenio BRT system revolutionized mass transit in a city that did not have a subway. It mixed express busways, centralized command and control, and high-capacity buses to develop a high-speed, high-capacity system. While usually packed with people, it continues to serve as an inspiration to cities in need of low-cost, high-return transit systems.
12. The Shanghai Maglev (2004-Present)
Image from Wikipedia
The Shanghai Maglev Train, which started operating in 2004, is the fastest commercial train in the world, with a speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). Magnetic levitation (maglev) technology reduces friction and provides a smoother and quicker journey. Although on a limited scale, it is a technological wonder and a sneak peek into the ultra-high-speed travel of the future.