What city has the best Subway system? [Archive]

DavidMn

03-16-2006, 09:22 PM

This may seem like a weird thead to start but what the hell. I've had a chance to travel some and I always like using public transportation wherever possible. My personal favorites:

Boston, by far the cleanest Stations and Subway cars.

Washington D.C, I liked that one because the motel I stay at whenever I'm tehre is 5 min from a station, and it only takes 15 minutes to get right downtown.

Atlanta: I loved this one again because I stayed out in Decatur for Fleetwood Mac in '03 and I ws able to get a bus right out in front of the motel and took that to a Marta station which dropped me off right at Philips Arena.

One I've never had a chance to ride is the BART. That's one I've heard alot of good things about.

madformac

03-16-2006, 09:24 PM

LONDON!!! :thumbsup:

DavidMn

03-16-2006, 09:27 PM

LONDON!!! :thumbsup:Yes, London's is the best Ive ever been on. I was manily talking about ones in the U.S, but nothing tops the Underground!

paleshadow

03-16-2006, 09:42 PM

Montreal has a good subway system. I only have NYC to compare it to though.

catinthedark

03-16-2006, 09:45 PM

Montreal has a good subway system. I only have NYC to compare it to though.

you beat me to it!! hands down - montreal's metro system is the best. clean, QUIET, goes everywhere. very affordable.

i've been on nyc's, toronto's, london's, san francisco's... probably more.

tuigirl

03-17-2006, 01:38 AM

LONDON!!! :thumbsup:

:shocked: Your'e taki'n the MICK!!! It's mostly rubbish.....even at the best of times.Over crowded, over priced, smelly and more ofen than not, delays, left, right and centre.
If subway includes trams..then from what little experience I've had, I'll go for Hanover in Germany..fast, cheap and reliable thanks. I wouldn't doubt that alot of European countries have got it right, the UK, lags behind quite a bit.

Red

03-17-2006, 01:48 AM

I don't have a massive frame of reference, but Toronto is pretty easy to navigate, especially for a squirrely city that's tricky to get around in a car or by foot.

catinthedark

03-17-2006, 10:33 AM

I don't have a massive frame of reference, but Toronto is pretty easy to navigate, especially for a squirrely city that's tricky to get around in a car or by foot.

i actually find the subway system here limiting - there's only the north-south line, and then the east-west line. i hardly ever, ever take it. now.... the streetcar system? FABULOUS. there are streetcars everywhere - they come all the time - they're efficient - smooth ride - and they're environmentally friendly! :)

sara1998

03-17-2006, 11:45 AM

Indianapolis - Oh ya, we don't have public transportation.

Actually, I've never used a subway.

chiliD

03-17-2006, 11:48 AM

HA! When I first read the title of the thread, I thought someone was talkin' sandwiches. (No WONDER I have a weight problem)

amber

03-17-2006, 12:28 PM

HA! When I first read the title of the thread, I thought someone was talkin' sandwiches. (No WONDER I have a weight problem)

And who wouldn't? I'm thinking of sandwiches right now, independently of this thread title.

I've heard our BART is cushy compared to east coast ones. In other words, padded seats, carpeting, that kind of thing. More comfortable. But that doesn't make it the "best" of course. Ours goes under the bay, does NY's do that also? I don't know how far other systems go, but ours goes pretty far.

I took this for some unknown reason. Well, actually because I just got my first digital cam, and have been taking random pictures a lot. This is "my" BART station, Ashby. I resized in photobucket but it didn't get smaller.:shrug: Edit - it did get smaller I guess.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/2005_0121Image0008.jpg

Here's a map of how far ours goes:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/Bart20Map.gif

mylittledemon

03-17-2006, 12:38 PM

Atlanta: I loved this one again because I stayed out in Decatur for Fleetwood Mac in '03 and I ws able to get a bus right out in front of the motel and took that to a Marta station which dropped me off right at Philips Arena.
.

Atlanta sucks for public transportation. When I lived there, someone stole my wallet on the Marta. F*ck that mess.

madformac

03-17-2006, 12:48 PM

:shocked: Your'e taki'n the MICK!!! It's mostly rubbish.....even at the best of times.Over crowded, over priced, smelly and more ofen than not, delays, left, right and centre.
If subway includes trams..then from what little experience I've had, I'll go for Hanover in Germany..fast, cheap and reliable thanks. I wouldn't doubt that alot of European countries have got it right, the UK, lags behind quite a bit.

I'd hardly call it rubbish. I've had a few delays but nothing you couldn't get around with alternative routes. Thats the good thing. In most cases you can get to a destination in different routes. Yes it's full but when you get about 3 million people a day using it in quite a small city its gonna happen. The secret is to mentally "drop out" until you reach your stop. You have to remember that those tunnels, even the newer ones (forget the Jubilee line extention) are 40-50 years old and not designed for this amount of traffic. I think it works very well under the circumstances.

Besides, it would be far easier and less crowded to travel if all the tourists knew where they were actually going! (and yes you Americans are the worst offenders! The map is not that difficult is it? :laugh: )

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/london5.jpg

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 01:42 PM

:lol: HA! When I first read the title of the thread, I thought someone was talkin' sandwiches. (No WONDER I have a weight problem)You and me both brother.:lol:

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 01:43 PM

Atlanta sucks for public transportation. When I lived there, someone stole my wallet on the Marta. F*ck that mess.I rmember you told me that once. That's too bad man.:(

macfanken

03-17-2006, 01:47 PM

If subway includes trams..then from what little experience I've had, I'll go for Hanover in Germany..fast, cheap and reliable thanks. I wouldn't doubt that alot of European countries have got it right, the UK, lags behind quite a bit.

Yeah, Hanover has a nice system... I spent three months there so I got to know it pretty well. I think the best subways for convenience and getting me where I wanted to go were New York, London and Rome. The cleanest were Madrid and Barcelona.

We finally get a line opening here in two years... it will be underground through downtown and above ground and elevated outside of the city. It'll be nice but it's about 30 years too late.

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 01:50 PM

Yeah, Hanover has a nice system... I spent three months there so I got to know it pretty well. I think the best subways for convenience and getting me where I wanted to go were New York, London and Rome. The cleanest were Madrid and Barcelona.

We finally get a line opening here in two years... it will be underground through downtown and above ground and elevated outside of the city. It'll be nice but it's about 30 years too late.I'll bet it took them forever to dig the tunnell huh?

chiliD

03-17-2006, 02:07 PM

Actually, I think DISNEYLAND has the best "mass transit" system. Can you just imagine if SoCal instituted a MONORAIL system back in the 50's instead of FREEWAYS? That would've been GREAT!

I mean if a damned THEME PARK can build a transpo system like that in 1958, and if California had started building the system in 1960, we'd have the best damned public tranportation system in the world. Monorail from LA to Vegas?!? WOW!!! Gas prices would still probably be under a $1 a gallon; supply & demand, people.

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 02:09 PM

hayley

03-17-2006, 02:28 PM

I like Chicago's, but it's notable for being really nice or really disgusting depending on which line it is and where it goes. The red line from the South Side all the way up to the North Side, with downtown in between, is disgusting, littered with Spicy Cheeto bags, and smells like urine. The blue line is gross but not as gross. I won't go on the green line without a taser. But the orange, brown, & purple lines are great. Non-smelly and quiet.

Despite the grossness of the stations and the cars, the CTA is crazy efficient and can get you anywhere you want to go.

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 02:30 PM

macfanken

03-17-2006, 02:31 PM

I'll bet it took them forever to dig the tunnell huh?

Actually, the tunnel through downtown was finished in 1990... I think it took about 4 years to dig. It's been used by buses for the last 15 years and is finally being retrofitted for trains. The local government here is famous for taking decades to get things done when it comes to large transit and civic projects.

hayley

03-17-2006, 02:33 PM

I went to a White Sox game a few years back and I took the red line. I'm 6'4 275 and I was a little scared.:eek: :lol:
The red line is a little crazy, and always packed, especially during the summer. It hits Comiskey, is the main downtown line for Michigan Ave and all the tourist-y spots, and then hits Wrigley. If you're a pervert who likes getting friendly in packed crowds, it's a wet dream at rush hour April through September.

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 02:34 PM

The red line is a little crazy, and always packed, especially during the summer. It hits Comiskey, is the main downtown line for Michigan Ave and all the tourist-y spots, and then hits Wrigley. If you're a pervert who likes getting friendly in packed crowds, it's a wet dream at rush hour April through September.Well, actually the day I went was a Sunday.. but it was still pretty crowded.

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 02:36 PM

The red line is a little crazy, and always packed, especially during the summer. It hits Comiskey, is the main downtown line for Michigan Ave and all the tourist-y spots, and then hits Wrigley. If you're a pervert who likes getting friendly in packed crowds, it's a wet dream at rush hour April through September.Lets just hope someone doesnt play that song Back That Ass Up of the train loud when it's crowded.:laugh:

hayley

03-17-2006, 02:40 PM

Lets just hope someone doesnt play that song Back That Ass Up of the train loud when it's crowded.:laugh:
I've had a friend have something SERIOUSLY disgusting happen to her on that train line! Can't even joke about it. EWWW. EWWWW.

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 02:41 PM

I've had a friend have something SERIOUSLY disgusting happen to her on that train line! Can't even joke about it. EWWW. EWWWW.Oh ok. sorry about that.

madformac

03-17-2006, 02:47 PM

Actually, I think DISNEYLAND has the best "mass transit" system. Can you just imagine if SoCal instituted a MONORAIL system back in the 50's instead of FREEWAYS? That would've been GREAT!

Yeah Miami has a monorail system although I suspect its more for novelty value as it really doesn't go very far or anywhere of use to me (South Beach & Dolphins Stadium :laugh: ).

madformac

03-17-2006, 03:08 PM

But even better than that, and this is the fine Japanese folk rather than the subway I suppose, people queue up to get on!
AND they always get up to let elderly and pregnant ladies sit down.
I wish London could be like that.

Gotta agree there. Too many miserable assholes that won't let ladies sit down. I'd like to say I'm not one of them.... Basically 'cos I don't sit down. You don't know what the hell is breeding in those seats.:laugh:

It is ridiculous now that a single fare has gone up to £3. The tube system makes plenty of money as it is (nice pay if you work on the Underground). Either it's designed to rip off tourists even more or help fund the Olympics. I just hope it doesn't end up in Ken's pocket.

amber

03-17-2006, 03:53 PM

Tokyo is easily the best subway system I've been on.
It's so cheap and the trains are regular and ON TIME.
But even better than that, and this is the fine Japanese folk rather than the subway I suppose, people queue up to get on!
AND they always get up to let elderly and pregnant ladies sit down.
I wish London could be like that.
What do you mean? Don't people form lines where you live? We do here. Except then there are a few a**holes, and old asian women, who try to cut. :laugh: I? Hate cuts with a passion. I usually bump people back over, or quickly and obviously block their way. One time I stuck my umbrella out. :laugh: Hmmm, speaking of a**holes....:D

madformac

03-17-2006, 04:12 PM

What do you mean? Don't people form lines where you live? We do here. Except then there are a few a**holes, and old asian women, who try to cut. :laugh: I? Hate cuts with a passion. I usually bump people back over, or quickly and obviously block their way. One time I stuck my umbrella out. :laugh: Hmmm, speaking of a**holes....:D

Erm....... No. :laugh:

The London tube really is not about queuing, it's like going to war.

Well you need to get a ticket from (usually) an automated machine. After that, when you get through the barriers its every man and women for themselves and all hell can break loose. I've seen elderly ladies pushed over, carriages so packed I'm surprised ANYBODY could get in or out. God help you if you can't put on a short sprint of speed during rush hour. The thing I hate the most is when a woman tries to carry a pushchair up the steps and nobody offers help. :mad: The trouble is sometimes if you are too courtious you get left on the platform because the stationary times are so short (trains can stop at a station every 2 minutes on some lines)

If you ever get to London Amber you would shake your head at the absurdity of the transport system at times. It's amazing it works as well as it does. I'm just glad I don't have to use it everyday like Sharon. :nod:

amber

03-17-2006, 04:19 PM

Erm....... No. :laugh:

The London tube really is not about queuing, it's like going to war.

Well you need to get a ticket from (usually) an automated machine. After that, when you get through the barriers its every man and women for themselves and all hell can break loose. I've seen elderly ladies pushed over, carriages so packed I'm surprised ANYBODY could get in or out. God help you if you can't put on a short sprint of speed during rush hour. The thing I hate the most is when a woman tries to carry a pushchair up the steps and nobody offers help. :mad: The trouble is sometimes if you are too courtious you get left on the platform because the stationary times are so short (trains can stop at a station every 2 minutes on some lines)

If you ever get to London Amber you would shake your head at the absurdity of the transport system at times. It's amazing it works as well as it does. I'm just glad I don't have to use it everyday like Sharon. :nod:

:shocked: :shocked:

Oh.my.god. That is crazy. There's enough room for everyone at ours. The driver waits till everyone gets on. The only thing bad is during rush hour you may have to stand up for your trip, and you may be smooshed right against someone. But on the platforms there's no violence. :shocked:
There goes my notion about the polite British....:laugh:

madformac

03-17-2006, 04:31 PM

:shocked: :shocked:

Oh.my.god. That is crazy. There's enough room for everyone at ours. The driver waits till everyone gets on. The only thing bad is during rush hour you may have to stand up for your trip, and you may be smooshed right against someone. But on the platforms there's no violence. :shocked:
There goes my notion about the polite British....:laugh:

Drivers don't really wait for anybody. As long as nobody is trapped in a door they just take off. And they need to. There are so many trains on each track that you really need them in and out as quickly as possible. It can be very quiet or totally insane. Oxford Circus, Leicester Square and Victoria Station at rush hour is something you wouldn't forget. :laugh: I could see you giving somebody hell if they pushed you. :laugh:

It's a popular misconception that the British are polite. Not in my tube experience anyway. You would be amazed at the things that go on. There can be total anarchy when a train arrives. One good thing is there is a common spirit of all going into battle together. You can sometimes joke to a total stranger. Other times (which is more common) nobody talks on the tube and nobody looks at anybody else. It's weird. I'm from the north of England and the mentality is more open and friendly. The south is a little more miserable and cautious but more professional too. I think Londoners really showed the good points during last summers tube bombings. The next day most people were back on board (I was). I doubt that would happen in most cities and countries. The British WWII mentality of "they won't defeat us" rose to the surface again and I'm proud of that. :nod:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/londonscene.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/8.jpg

DavidMn

03-17-2006, 04:37 PM

I've been to London twice and I absolutely love their system! It's a trip for sure.:laugh:

chiliD

03-17-2006, 04:54 PM

And dont you guys in L.A have a pretty good rail system now and hardly anyone rides it?

Pffft. Too little too late.

catinthedark

03-17-2006, 11:17 PM

What do you mean? Don't people form lines where you live? We do here.

that was one of the most shocking things for me when i moved from montreal to toronto. in montreal, people lined up for the buses - from the corner down the sidewalk, single file. when the line got too long, they'd form a second line, parallel to the first one. all very orderly.

toronto? people just stand wherever on the street corner, and when the streetcar arrives - watch out! every man, woman, and child for him or herself. i think the first time i saw it happen, i just stood there stunned.

oh. and streetcar drivers? wait for NO ONE. it keeps them efficient, but man, it bites when you're late for work.

amber

03-17-2006, 11:43 PM

that was one of the most shocking things for me when i moved from montreal to toronto. in montreal, people lined up for the buses - from the corner down the sidewalk, single file. when the line got too long, they'd form a second line, parallel to the first one. all very orderly.

toronto? people just stand wherever on the street corner, and when the streetcar arrives - watch out! every man, woman, and child for him or herself. i think the first time i saw it happen, i just stood there stunned.

oh. and streetcar drivers? wait for NO ONE. it keeps them efficient, but man, it bites when you're late for work.
How weird there was such a difference between the two places. :confused: I'm not sure we really form orderly lines for buses, but BART is different.
That does bite. The worst thing is when you rush to your stop, just to see the train/bus pulling away....:mad:

Richard B

03-18-2006, 12:08 AM

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/2005_0121Image0008.jpg
Ugh. Ashby is the ugliest station.

amber

03-18-2006, 12:17 AM

Ugh. Ashby is the ugliest station.

No, embarcadero and all stops past civic center are the ugliest. Actually, Ashby is one of the nice ones.

Richard B

03-18-2006, 12:21 AM

No, embarcadero and all stops past civic center are the ugliest. Actually, Ashby is one of the nice ones.
hahaha. I knew you'd say that. The whole Richmond line (one the East side) sucks. Embarcadero is cool.

Best stop: Pleasanton and SFO.

amber

03-18-2006, 12:22 AM

hahaha. I knew you'd say that. The whole Richmond line sucks. Embarcadero is cool.

Best stop: Pleasanton and SFO.
Are you high? Embarcadero is all grey and dour. It's like someplace Hitler would live.

Richard B

03-18-2006, 12:25 AM

Are you high? Embarcadero is all grey and dour. It's like someplace Hitler would live.
You knew Hitler?

Please. I like the asphalt towers and the nice breaks in them (for a underground station.) And no cheezy colored tile like they do on the Oakland/Berkeley underground stations.

Remember now, I grew up there and have been using BART since it began. Just my taste. Besides, I'll take the above ground stations anyday of course.

amber

03-18-2006, 12:33 AM

You knew Hitler?

Please. I like the asphalt towers and the nice breaks in them (for a underground station.) And no cheezy colored tile like they do on the Oakland/Berkeley underground stations.

Remember now, I grew up there and have been using BART since it began. Just my taste. Besides, I'll take the above ground stations anyday of course.
Oh. Lame, it's all dark and undergroundy - it looks like a fricking prison! The Richmond line is all nice and tiley.
Figures a cap would like the grey prison motif. :rolleyes: :laugh: :xoxo:

I bet if we asked some impartial observers, my line would totally win! Take that! :laugh:
And may I remind you that berkeley is red brick, which is hardly "cheesy tile". I agree, above grounds rule, unless it's supacold. Did you see my pics from MacArthur BART? Oh, wait, that's on myspace. I'll post, so you'll get homesick.

Richard B

03-18-2006, 12:36 AM

Oh. Lame, it's all dark and undergroundy - it looks like a fricking prison! The Richmond line is all nice and tiley.
Figures a cap would like the grey prison motif. :rolleyes: :laugh: :xoxo:

I bet if we asked some impartial observers, my line would totally win! Take that! :laugh:
This isn't a competition, Cancer. Typical over-emotional reaction. Having problems finding beauty in non-traditional places? Again...typical Cancer.

amber

03-18-2006, 12:38 AM

Here's my MacArthur pics:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/DSCF0078.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/DSCF0077.jpg

Richard B

03-18-2006, 12:41 AM

Here's my MacArthur pics:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/DSCF0078.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/antisnark/DSCF0077.jpg
Oh I do miss that station. It's a big one! Nice hustle and bustle feel with that particular station. You know I do love the above ground stations.

Thanks for making me homesick...so thoughtful of you. ;)

amber

03-18-2006, 12:41 AM

This isn't a competition, Cancer. Typical over-emotional reaction. Having problems finding beauty in non-traditional places? Again...typical Cancer.
Whoa! I was just joking! I have no problems finding beauty in untraditional places, it just doesn't apply to butt ugly architectural things that make me feel dark and icky and trapped and depressed when I step off the train. :cool: <===(this? Is an overemotional reaction. My post was not)
Trust a Capricorn to think I was talking about a competition, when really I was just trying to be right....:laugh:
Actually, being serious, I think Cancers often find beauty in nontraditional places. We're the girls who like ugly boys because they are nice. :angel: YOu know our psychic powers enable us to see beauty and truth through a facade....:shrug:
Besides, you know Capricorns are just Cancers with more ambition (usually) and more self control. :p

amber

03-18-2006, 12:51 AM

Oh I do miss that station. It's a big one! Nice hustle and bustle feel with that particular station. You know I do love the above ground stations.

Thanks for making me homesick...so thoughtful of you. ;)

Well, honestly I thought you might like it. :angel: :xoxo: Oh, but remember MacArthur is a place of Oakland skank land. My work is a block from the station. I vote 16 st/Mission to Balboa as the most urine soaked stations. :laugh: I think 12th street Oakland and 19th street Oakland look really nice - but those damn stairs. When I first started taking my bike around, I read all the rules, and it said "no bikes on escalators" so I carried my stupid bike up stupid 19th street station stairs. I'm pretty fit, but I almost had a f**king heart attack by the time I got to the top. :laugh: Never. Again. Not only that, but I now use the elevator to the street at that station, too. :D

Richard B

03-18-2006, 12:58 AM

Whoa! I was just joking! I have no problems finding beauty in untraditional places, it just doesn't apply to butt ugly architectural things that make me feel dark and icky and trapped and depressed when I step off the train. :cool: <===(this? Is an overemotional reaction. My post was not)
Trust a Capricorn to think I was talking about a competition, when really I was just trying to be right....:laugh:
Actually, being serious, I think Cancers often find beauty in nontraditional places. We're the girls who like ugly boys because they are nice. :angel: YOu know our psychic powers enable us to see beauty and truth through a facade....:shrug:
Besides, you know Capricorns are just Cancers with more ambition (usually) and more self control. :p
See...this is the funny thing with Cap and Cancer...
I was joking in the first place. This happens with all my wonderful, beautiful Cancer friends. It's kinda weird, but funny.

amber

03-18-2006, 01:00 AM

See...this is the funny thing with Cap and Cancer...
I was joking in the first place. This happens with all my wonderful, beautiful Cancer friends. It's kinda weird, but funny.
I know...:wavey:

wait, you have Cancer friends!??? :eek: :laugh:
:xoxo:

Richard B

03-18-2006, 01:09 AM

I know...:wavey:

wait, you have Cancer friends!??? :eek: :laugh:
:xoxo:
Very funny. I think my Cancer friends like me more than I do them. LOL. But then Cancers are known for being clingy! LOL.

Well...off I go into the night in LA. How I do miss SF...

Enjoy your evening! Talk soon.

amber

03-18-2006, 01:10 AM

Very funny. I think my Cancer friends like me more than I do them. LOL. But then Cancers are known for being clingy! LOL.

Well...off I go into the night in LA. How I do miss SF...

Enjoy your evening! Talk soon.

Yeah, I always like people better than they like me. :(
Okay, not always. Actually I don't like that many people. But when I do, that applies. :)
It's our great sorrow, you know, so you should be nice to us. ;) :wavey: :laugh:

Makes us funny, though.

And instead of "clingy" we prefer "loyal, extra concerned, delighted, and caring" :laugh:

*threadjack over*

tynan88

03-18-2006, 03:58 AM

tuigirl

03-18-2006, 04:18 AM

Do any other Cities have multi level trains like they do in Sydney? Our subway is shiiite...doesn't really cover a great deal, in fact I don't know if you could consider it a subway...more a railway service...but yer back to my question, I get the feeling no where else has multi level trains.

You mean double decker trains? I know in parts of France they do and can you believe it, there was something in the paper recently about the British considering this idea as well..they need to, coz it's crap on a lot of overland trains as well.Not sure how they'd do that though, Victorian made bridges are teeny and double deckers just wouldn't go.Hmmm:rolleyes:

MFM...your pics were obviously taken during a "quiet " time, not the 5pm rush hour..haha