London Underground

London’s rapid-transit railway network, commonly called the Tube, serves the city and surrounding areas through deep-level tunnels and surface lines.

Deep-level tube: A small-diameter railway tunnel bored deep underground, typically served by electric trains. Deep-level lines use this tunnel form beneath central London.
Metropolitan Railway: The first underground passenger railway, opened in London in 1863. Its opening established the network’s earliest route beneath central London.
London Underground lines: The named rail routes that make up London Underground services. Each line links different parts of London and has its own route and service pattern.
London Underground map: A schematic diagram showing London Underground routes and their stations. Its simplified design changed how the network could be understood as a whole.
Cut-and-cover railway: A railway built in a trench that is roofed over after construction. Several early Underground routes were built this way beneath central streets.
City and South London Railway: The first deep-level electric underground railway, opened in London in 1890. It pioneered the small, circular tunnels associated with the Tube.
London Underground stations: Passenger stops where trains on the London Underground network pick up and set down passengers. Station locations shape access to the network and often serve as urban landmarks.
Harry Beck: An English technical draughtsman who designed the influential schematic London Underground map. His map prioritized clear route connections over geographic accuracy.
London Underground signalling: The systems that control train movements and maintain safe distances on Underground lines. Signalling governs train frequency and safe operation across the network.
Charles Yerkes: An American financier who helped consolidate and electrify several London underground railways. His companies advanced the deep-level lines that became part of the network.

Linked from 12 pages