Phenomenal success: CNN selects Budapest metro line as the world’s best
CNN has selected an iconic Budapest metro line as one of the world’s best, citing it as a revolutionary advancement in metropolitan public transport.
Budapest metro line among the world’s best
According to Mandiner’s report about CNN’s heart-warming choice, CNN has singled out the Budapest Metro Line M1, inaugurated in 1896, as one of the world’s 18 best metro systems.
In their article, the authors noted that London boasted the world’s first subterranean railway lines, with the inaugural British subway carrying passengers in 1863. Presently, it comprises 272 stations, spans 400 kilometres and encompasses 11 lines.
The first underground railway system in London operated with steam trains, while Budapest pioneered the electrified subway system. The iconic Budapest Metro Line M1, opening in 1896, coincided with the millennium year.
Celebrating the millennium with a metro line
The Kingdom of Hungary was at the height of its power in 1867, marked by the compromise with the Habsburg emperor, propelling Hungary towards rapid economic growth. Among other accomplishments, Budapest, the magnificent capital city, emerged on both banks of the Danube, with its numerous castles, palaces, parks and baths.
In 1896, the nation celebrated the millennium of the Conquest of the Carpathian Basin, with the completion of landmarks like Heroes’ Square, City Park, Andrássy Avenue and other emblematic public spaces and buildings in the capital. Budapest mirrored the capital of a global power, which the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy represented in those days.
The world’s first electrified underground line
Thus, it is not surprising that Hungarian politicians conceived something groundbreaking, birthing the idea of the world’s first electrified underground subway system. Electric lighting illuminated both the stations and the train cars, with the pioneering use of an overhead wire system to power the trains.
Metro Line M1 connects the famous Heroes’ Square with the city centre, running mostly underneath Andrássy Avenue.
Its purpose was to divert crowds heading to the City Park from the illustrious Andrássy Street to the subterranean railway.
According to CNN, it still transports 80,000 passengers daily, many of whom are tourists. You can find its timetable HERE.
Is Metro line M1 facing serious problems?
As we reported HERE, it may face closure due to the hazardous state of its carriages. The carriages of Budapest Metro Line M1, designed to operate for 40 years and cover 2.1 million kilometres, have exceeded their intended lifespan, catering to over 40 thousand daily passengers in Budapest, as per Népszava’s report. Endre BÃró, Chairman of the Metróért Egyesület (‘For the Metro Association’), underscored the growing risk of accidents, citing damages incurred during operation and the necessity for replacement due to material fatigue.
However, the new train carriages would cost EUR 5.3 million, and the line would require at least 22. Neither the government nor the municipal council have that money. Everyone awaits financial assistance from the European Union.
Read also:
- The secrets of Budapest Metro Line 1 – Read more HERE
- Dubai in Hungary: Budapest’s over 100-year-old metro line may be extended
Our “Little Train” – Yellow Line, is Fantastic.
It’s History just a FABULOUS read, and to think, all these decades on, it’s IMPORTANCE to our Capital City, just FANTASTIC.
It’s practically at the front door of our house “to ride” from Vorosmarty ter, and use it we do practically daily, and taking visitors for a “Little” Metro Train ride often.