1. Home
 ›
2. Commuter Rail
 ›
3. Subways: A History

Evolution of Subways: An Historical Overview

Published: January 25, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The network of subways threading beneath the bustling streets of America's largest cities is a testament to a century-long commitment to urban public transportation.

These systems, often described as the lifeblood of urban commuting, have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern American cityscape.

This article delves into the historical origins, development, and current operations of subways across the United States, examining how these subterranean marvels have evolved to meet the diverse needs of millions of daily commuters.

Genesis of American Subways

The idea of an underground train system in the United States was largely inspired by subway systems in Europe, particularly London's Underground, which began operations in 1863.

The first U.S. subway system was inaugurated in Boston in 1897, the result of increasing congestion on surface streets from horse-drawn carriages and electric streetcars. Known as the Tremont Street Subway, it was a technical marvel of its time, offering Bostonians a glimpse into the future of urban transportation.

Following Boston's lead, New York City introduced its first subway line run by the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) company in 1904. The initial route stretched 9.1 miles, offering reliable, speedy transit from City Hall in lower Manhattan to 145th Street.

The New York City subway—which now boasts the largest number of stations in the world—quickly became essential for urban mobility, facilitating an explosion of growth within all five boroughs.

Expansion across the Nation

Encouraged by the success of Boston and New York, other major U.S. cities began developing their own subway systems throughout the early 20th century. Philadelphia's Broad Street Line opened in 1928, providing a north-south artery through the city, while Chicago's "L" system, primarily elevated, also incorporated significant subway sections.

In subsequent decades, metro systems were planned with a keen eye on population growth and urban expansion. However, post-World War II America saw a decline in subway development, overshadowed by the rise of the automobile and the construction of expansive highway systems. In this era, public transportation saw major budget cuts, which stalled progress and innovation in many cities.

Resurgence of Interest

By the 1970s, many U.S. cities recognized the unsustainable growth of car-centric urban planning. Air quality concerns, oil crises, and increased traffic congestion prompted a federal reevaluation of public transportation investment. This renewed interest led to the construction of new systems even in cities where subways had not traditionally existed, such as Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

The unveiling of the Washington Metro in 1976 brought modern design and aesthetic considerations to the forefront. Its distinctive Brutalist architecture and radial-urban planning principles offered a model of more functional and user-centric subway design.

On the other side of the continent, San Francisco introduced BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) that same decade, an eclectic system crossing through multiple transport zones, designed for both short city travel and long suburban commutes.

Modern Subways: Operations and Innovations

Today, subways in the United States have adapted to meet the challenges of contemporary urban living. Technological advancements and increasing environmental concerns have guided policies aimed at upgrading and expanding these networks.

- New York City Subway: Operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York's subway is constantly evolving. Nearly every decade, significant extensions, upgrades, and inflow of funds aim at improving efficiency and rider experience. The 2nd Avenue Subway, opening its first phase in 2017, marked a historic addition, alleviating congestion on the east side of Manhattan—a plan a century in the making.

- Boston's MBTA: "The T," as it is colloquially known, continues to operate as a cornerstone of Boston's transit system. Recent efforts focus on transforming the Green Line with new light rail vehicles and extending its reach further into the suburbs to accommodate shifting travel patterns.

- Chicago's CTA: The Chicago Transit Authority's expansive network features both subways and elevated trains. Recent developments include the Red and Purple Modernization Program, a substantial plan aimed at expanding capacity and modernizing infrastructure to improve service reliability and efficiency.

- Washington Metro: Known for its architectural uniformity and extensive reach, Washington's Metro faces challenges associated with an aging infrastructure. Recent initiatives focus on comprehensive repairs and expansions, including the addition of the Silver Line, which extends service to Dulles International Airport and beyond.

- San Francisco's BART: BART remains vital to the Bay Area, connecting San Francisco with neighboring cities across the bay. Continuous upgrades include modernizing rolling stock and earthquake retrofitting to ensure safety in this seismically active region.

- Los Angeles Metro: LA's relatively new but fast-expanding system reflects the region's shift from highway dependency towards mass transit. With ongoing projects like the Purple Line extension and the Regional Connector, Los Angeles aims to transform its urban landscape and curtail the pervasive car culture.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite these ongoing improvements, American subway systems face significant challenges. Aging infrastructure requires consistent investment, particularly for systems that are over a century old, like those in New York and Philadelphia. Balancing the budget between maintenance and service expansion continues to be a key strategy question for transit authorities.

Moreover, modern urban dynamics, including shifts in working habits due to post-pandemic remote work and the rise of alternative transit like ride-sharing services, create a fluid environment for ridership patterns. Subways must not only compete with these alternatives but also integrate them into cohesive public transit strategies.

Technological integration is essential for the future of U.S. subways. Initiatives such as real-time tracking, mobile ticketing, and improved customer information systems are increasingly becoming standard.

However, the implementation of AI, big data analytics, and sustainable world-leading solutions like renewable energy adoption for operations are areas still in nascent stages, with significant potential for growth.

Overview

The history and development of subways in the United States are deeply intertwined with urban evolution and the continuous push-pull between progress and maintaining historical legacies.

As U.S. cities confront the pressing demands of the 21st century, embracing modern technology, sustainability, and customer-centric service models will be critical to adapting this essential mode of transport for future generations.

By understanding and preserving the historical tenderness of subways while boldly innovating into the future, America seems poised to sustain and reinvigorate this indispensable urban infrastructure.

As arteries of movement within the urban body, subways are pivotal to the myriad expressions and routines of countless city dwellers—a legacy as profound as the cities they serve.