Talk:List of metro systems

Add two metro systems that aren't there in operational list

Can someone add the Palembang LRT and the Tyne and Wear Metro into the operational list? The Palembang LRT is technically a Metro because it's a light metro system even tho it's an LRT,like how the Penang LRT is being put in the under construction section so I think the Palembang LRT should be in the operational list, and the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle is considered a Metro system but I don't see it in the list, Thanks Metrosfan (talk) 09:11, 21 November 2023 (UTC)

The Tyne and Wear metro is probably the most controversial metro system in the world. There has been constant back n forth with it on the list. It keeps getting added, and then immediately removed by the same few people. I think we need to reopen this conversation in good faith, because whenever it gets brought up, the "veteran editors" just say, it's already been discussed, and just shuts the whole thing down. Personally I think it should be added for the following reasons:

1: it is already listed on every other version of this list in other languages.

2: light railway in the UK means light metro, such as the DLR, the Glasgow Subway, and yes, the TW Metro (in fact, the TW metro is considered be a prototype for the DLR). It does not mean "light rail" in the American sense. Those are referred to as "trams" like Manchester Metrolink or Sheffield supertrams. This, I believe is the biggest point of contention as the UK government considers it a light railway. I feel like American editors (who probably never rode the system) see that, and just consider it a light rail system in the American sense, unaware of the meaning in UK English.

3: The grade crossings mean nothing. No one is talking removing the Chicago L, Oslo Metro, or Rotterdam Metro. Anyone considering removing those systems would be laughed out of the room, so why is it accepted that the grade crossings disqualify the TW Metro?

4: The TW Metro's own Wikipedia article calls it a rapid transit system. Not only that, but Newcastle shows up on the map on this Wikipedia article.

5: The vehicles. Do these look like trams to you? The TW Metrocars cannot run on city streets. These are railcars designed for a metro system. The replacement railcars will be even more "heavy", in case this point is up for dispute.

6: This might not be as strong of a point, but they call it "Metro" in all the branding. Metro usually has one mean: metropolitan rapid transit system. Basically, it if looks like a duck, quaks like a duck, walks like a duck, and tells everyone that it's a duck, it's probably a duck.

To be fair, I might be a little biased sense I have personally ridden the entire system.

As for the Palembang LRT, I'm not too familiar with that system, so I cannot say for sure, but I looks like it also qualifies. Rckania (talk) 12:33, 21 November 2023 (UTC)

Apart from the level crossings, it carries mainline traffic at Sunderland. Lots of systems call themselves metros but are not metros in the sense used here. Parts of many suburban railway systems operate very like metros in places but are not metros, mostly because of mixed traffic and level crossings. We can't call them all metros. Obviously, Tyne and Wear metro is an edge case, but it has been decided on numerous occasions that it doesn't qualify here.--Grahame (talk) 02:11, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

It is a metro system, the train is a light metro not a suburban railway, the others may be a suburban railway system that claims to be a metro system but isn't, but not this, this is a completely different case, it completely qualify here Metrosfan (talk) 09:56, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

So, are we going to say that Bakerloo and District lines, or god forbid the Tokyo Metro, don't count? They carry mainline traffic. I just wish this list was consistent, and honestly, I feel like people have strange motives for removing it. At the end of the day, does it really matter to your average person who wants to know if there are any metro systems in Britain outside of London?

So you suggest that the correct classification is suburban rail, but it is never referred to as that anywhere official. Additionally, it is not regulated like a suburban railway. This is why Merseyrail does not count as a metro. It may be separate from true mainline traffic, but it is regulated as a mainline rail, so it's not exactly a metro. This is not the case with the TW Metro. Rckania (talk) 10:29, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

How a railway is "regulated" is totally irrelevant to its operation. Merseyrail is separate from freight and mainline traffic. Timetables are not needed as frequencies are high. BTW, the Merseyrail trains are owned by the Liverpool City Region. 152.37.91.247 (talk) 23:02, 22 March 2024 (UTC)

Also, a more direct comparison is Line 3 of the Athens Metro. It does the exact same thing as the TW metro, but it is still on the list. Rckania (talk) 12:46, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

The trains on the Amsterdam Metro are also the same and it's still on the list, this completely make sense why it should be on this list Metrosfan (talk) 13:29, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

Exactly! I'm with @Metrosfan. Keeping the TW metro off this list for the stated reasons is just inconsistent. This list should remain consistent. Rckania (talk) 14:54, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

Tyne and Wear Metro is metro system by all sensible criteria. It is completely self-contained. It has its own ticketing system. It caters for passengers going to, from and around Newcastle. It does not carry freight. One of the distinguishing points is that the service frequency is such that users don't normally consult the timetable. (Many users don't even know that the timetable exists.) OrewaTel (talk) 23:04, 1 January 2024 (UTC)

ive added the Tyne and Wear Metro along with the Elizabeth Line here, and apparently it haven't been removed, it only got did once but someone else re-added it and then it was never removed again Metrosfan (talk) 13:15, 17 January 2024 (UTC)

Thanks. But the Elizabeth Line is not a metro line. It shares tracks with other network rail trains and uses heavy rolling stock Rckania (talk) 21:46, 17 January 2024 (UTC)

1: As discussed previosuly, this doesn't mean anything.

2: It doesn't matter what government consider. If tommorow some government consider a bus system a metro system, it will still be a metro system. Personal work is not a valid source, therefore, having riding it is by no mean a valid argument.

3: Chicago L, Oslo Metro, or Rotterdam Metro. Those metro system have most lines fully segragated (or at least one that is a full metro line). TW Metro shares a good part of it's tracks with mainline trains, which could mean it's... a mainline train service.

4: As said above, his is not a valid source

5: It's not because it's not a tram that it's a metro.

6: There are tons of cities calling their BRT, trams or suburban train systems metro. It doesn't make it a metro

As all the above arguments are not valid, and consensus have previosuly been found regarding that matter, I remove the TW metro from the list. If TW metro desserves inclusion, please provide valid and sourced reasons.

Capt'n London (talk) 14:51, 3 April 2024 (UTC)

London's Metro System

In addition to the Tube, TfL (Transport for London) run the Overground and the Elizabeth Line. The Elizabeth line is regarded by most people as a tube line. This is despite TfL continually publicising the fact that it isn't part of the Underground and the popular quiz question, "Is the Elizabeth Line an Underground Line?" The Overground is owned by National Rail but is otherwise identical to the Underground lines.

Some discussion has been about the regulations in force. In UK all rail systems must comply with the full Board of Trade regulations. It makes no difference whether the line is a short heritage line or a full blown inter-city express line. Also in UK the term light rail means a line where the rolling stock is less robust. What other countries call light rail is called a tramway. A tram is a rail vehicle that is allowed to run on the public highway. All other track guided vehicles must run on a segregated track that is fenced off.

Since they fulfil all the criteria, I suggest both London Overground and Elizabeth Line be added to the list of metros. OrewaTel (talk) 22:55, 3 January 2024 (UTC)

Im not sure about the London Overground but the Elizabeth Line definitely counts,I will add the Elizabeth Line along with the Tyne and Wear Metro on the list Metrosfan (talk) 07:36, 4 January 2024 (UTC)

i added it but it turned out it got removed by someone else Metrosfan (talk) 09:36, 4 January 2024 (UTC)

@Metrosfan @OrewaTel Elizabeth Line isn't a metro system, since it 120km network, also Reading is a good 30 miles from London and the definition of Metro on Wiki is that it doesn't really go outside of the city. London Underground Limited operates the London Underground LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK (company-information.service.gov.uk) Elizabeth Line is operated by MTR Elizabeth Line MTR ELIZABETH LINE LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK (company-information.service.gov.uk) Elizabeth Line is more of a suburban Railway than a Metro system also there is quite a few stations which get a low frequency and also Elizabeth Line is part of National Rail. London Overground and Elizabeth Line operate in a completely different way to London Underground. They is a level crossing at Twyford Station which Elizabeth Line passes near to. London Overground crosses over a few level crossings which makes it not a segregated system. Elizabeth Line for the most part shares tracks with other services like freight and the Great Western Railway Didcot Parkway to London Paddington stopper. London Overground and Elizabeth Line train drivers have to follow completely different set of rules to the London Underground drivers. Also Elizabeth Line and London Overground use AWS, TPWS and GSM-R which the London Underground does not use for there services. Tyne & Wear Metro is a Metro system Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Act 1979 (legislation.gov.uk) I Like The british Rail Class 483 (talk) 20:59, 7 January 2024 (UTC)

The minutiae of regulations do not determine whether a line is a Metro and nor does who owns the line. The problem is there is not a clear cut division between Metro and non-Metro railways. You could argue that the Metropolitan and District lines don't qualify as Metros. The Metropolitan line was originally meant to go as far as Oxford and to-day it still services Amersham and Chesham in the wilds of Buckinghamshire. There are three pedestrian level crossings on the District line and it shares tracks with National Rail. (It runs over former LSWR rails that are still owned by National Rail.) But any definition of Metro that excludes the Metropolitan Railway and the Metropolitan District Railway is not worth having. The Elizabeth Line runs as far as Reading but unlike the Metropolitan Line it does not run through open countryside. Reading is part of the London conurbation. I have found the level crossing at Twyford and it does not cross the Elizabeth Line. In any case level crossings do not invalidate UK regulations that require all rail lines to be securely fenced off. OrewaTel (talk) 03:39, 8 January 2024 (UTC)

A metro is a underground or largely underground system according to the Collins dictionary, Elizabeth Line and London Overground are both mainly Overground. Arguably the Metropolitan and District lines and the rest of the London Underground network are the definition of a Metro. Which branch are these level crossings on the District Line. The Network Rail sectional appendix shows no level crossings on the district line.https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/metro https://www.networkrail.co.uk/industry-and-commercial/information-for-operators/national-electronic-sectional-appendix/ I Like The british Rail Class 483 (talk) 08:51, 8 January 2024 (UTC)

Metros aren't necessarily largely underground, and in fact even the majority of the London Underground itself runs above ground. The important part is grade-separation. Westindiaman (talk) 00:18, 16 March 2024 (UTC)

Metro systems can go out of the city, all RapidKL LRT and MRT lines go outside Kuala Lumpur, there's even one line that's gonna be entirely outside Kuala Lumpur under construction, some metro systems like the Rotterdam Metro and Oslo Metro have lower frequency and more level crossings and are qualified on this list Metrosfan (talk) 09:11, 8 January 2024 (UTC)

The pedestrian level crossings were the subject of one of Geoff Marshall's YouTube videos.They are on the Upminster Branch. Most of the London Underground is above ground. In particular the Dollis Brook Viaduct on the Mill Hill East Branch is 18 metres high and at Whitechapel station the Underground crosses over the Overground.Greenford station used to have an escalator to take passengers from street level up to the platforms. Aside from Waterloo & City and Victoria, all the Underground Lines go out to the countryside. The tube station in Theydon Bois is the only point in the village to have street lights. Meanwhile the point of rebranding the suburban lines as London Overground was to publicise their metro-style services. OrewaTel (talk) 11:03, 8 January 2024 (UTC)

The Elizabeth line shares tracks with other mainline trains (including freight trains) and is regulated as such. It's out. The Berlin S-Bahn and Merseyrail are closer to being metro systems than the Lizzy line is. Rckania (talk) 03:15, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Even Merseyrail has freight trains interlining with it to get to Liverpool Docks. I Like The british Rail Class 483 (talk) 14:31, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Freight trains do not share tracks with Merseyrail. The freight trains to Liverpool docks are diesel on their own line. 152.37.91.247 (talk) 22:54, 22 March 2024 (UTC)

Seoul Korail, London Elizabeth line/Overground, Moscow Central Diameters, Berlin S-Bahn, Paris RER, Tokyo Yamanote/Keihin-Tohoku/Chuo-Sobu, Tokyu etc

@Laggingcomputer: @Ymblanter: @Nonusme: @Metrosfan: @Rckania: @OrewaTel: @I Like The british Rail Class 483:

I can see User:Laggingcomputer has added [1] Korail line to the list. And I see a discussion about Elizabeth line above. So we need to bring this to broader question. First, let's see both UITP definitions. Older and newer one.

Metropolitan railways are urban, electric transport systems with high capacity and a high frequency of service. Metros are totally independent from other traffic, road or pedestrians. They are consequently designed in tunnel, viaducts or on surface level but with physical separation. Some systems run on rubber-tyres but are based on the same control-command principles as steel-wheel systems. In different parts of the world metro systems are also known as the underground, subway or tube.

— older

Metros: UGT systems operated on their own right of way and segregated from general road and pedestrian traffic. They are consequently designed for operations in tunnel, viaducts or on surface level but with physical separation in such a way that inadvertent access is not possible. In different parts of the world Metro systems are also known as the underground, the subway or the tube. Rail systems with specific construction issues operating on a segregated guideway (e.g. monorail, rack railways) are also treated as Metros as long as they are designated as part of the urban public transport network.

— newer

So to meet the definition a system should meet certain criteria:

1. A system should primarily service a city. Not a far suburbia or distant cities. So should not just operate mostly within agglomeration boundaries, but also intended to operate for agglomeration needs;

2. A system should be high capacity (heavy rail) (low capacity are trams (light rails));

3. A system should run isolated and on exclusive tracks.

Now, we do not include Moscow Central Diameters, because it's not running on exclusive tracks yet. It's sharing tracks with suburban trains for the time its infrastructure is being under construction. While I can see that both Korail and Elizabeth line are operating primevally within agglomeration, are they running exclusively of other service? Then, if we look at Berlin S-Bahn and Paris RER - they entirely meeting the definition - running within agglomerations, exclusively and isolated. All other S-Bahn systems are purely suburban and commuter systems, but Berlin's one is purely metro system. Let alone tones of lines in Tokyo. And in the end, if we look at many Chinese systems, we will find that they include some far lines, like 30-40-kilometer long airport express lines with just 1 or 2 stations in between of terminal stations, that definitely do not servicing the city. Elk Salmon (talk) 14:09, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Elizabeth line interlines whith Great Western Railway, C2C, Heathrow Express, rail tours and Freight trains. London Overground has a number of level crossings and also interlines with a number of different train services. Elizabeth Line at the Western end (Reading) is 36 miles 00 chains which 57.936384 km which is around 58 km from London Paddington. sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/sectional-appendix/Sectional Appendix full PDFs December 23/Western and Wales Sectional Appendix December 2023.pdf sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/sectional-appendix/Sectional Appendix full PDFs December 23/Kent Sussex and Wessex Sectional Appendix December 2023 .pdf sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/sectional-appendix/Sectional Appendix full PDFs December 23/Anglia Sectional Appendix December 2023.pdf Realtime Trains | 1P77 0649 Didcot Parkway to London Paddington | 19/01/2024 Realtime Trains | 9U55 0714 Reading to Abbey Wood | 19/01/2024 I Like The british Rail Class 483 (talk) 14:30, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Reading is pretty much an edge of agglomeration, so that is not the problem. Exclusivity and one level crossings is the problem. But if that are just few occasional trains per day, then it can be classified as an exception. As well as there are just 2-3 one level crossings over entire system. But if it's suburban and freight trains going all day long, then it's not eligible for the list. And if we remove exclusivity as a condition, then we would have to include dozens of lines from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, if not hundreds. Elk Salmon (talk) 14:54, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

grade crossings aren't a problem (see Chicago L, Oslo Metro, Rotterdam Metro), but exclusivity is. Yes, the District Line and Bakerloo Line do share tracks with mainline trains, but they only share tracks with commuter rail trains that use similar rolling stock and infrastructure. For that reason, they get a free pass. The Elizabeth Line is sharing tracks with Intercity trains and freight trains. That's just not the same thing. If it was truly a metro, why does it have it's own identity and is not considered part of the underground by TFL? Rckania (talk) 15:45, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

I understand your opinion, but Some metro Lines could get their own identity rather than being a part of the main system, this is the same case as why the Rinkai Line in Tokyo isnt part of neither Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway, or the Jakarta LRT isn't a part of the Jabodebek LRT Metrosfan (talk) 22:52, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Ok. It's a bit more understandable now. Can we at least make this a little more consistent? If we are keeping the Elizabeth Line (which it looks like we are), can we add Merseyrail and the berlin S-bahn, and maybe Metrovalencia? Rckania (talk) 22:56, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

@Metrosfan Having at least 60 freight trains per day interlining with Elizabeth Line trains makes it not a metro line and also there is at least 48 freight paths interlining with Merseyrail. Western Network Specification 2018 v9 (windows.net) Freight train capacity doubles to Port of Liverpool thanks to £8.3 million line upgrade - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) I Like The british Rail Class 483 (talk) 23:11, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Merseyrail shares no tracks with freight trains. 152.37.91.247 (talk) 23:08, 22 March 2024 (UTC)

Grade crossing isn't the problem when it's a rare exception. Elk Salmon (talk) 11:55, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

@Elk Salmon @Rckania West of West Drayton are not part of London and also the gaps between some of the stations are like 5 miles in some cases on MTR Elizabeth Line. Reading is a conurbation with Wokingham and Bracknell, Maidenhead is a conurbation with Furze Plate, Slough is a conurbation with Burnham. All are clearly separated by Greenland which is part of the Greenbelt. London Overground has at least five level crossings if not more. Three on the Romford Upminster Branch and two on the North London Line. There is at least one train per hour of freight Elizabeth line interlines with between Reading and Acton Mainline. A video of a freight trains and Elizabeth line interlining. Trains at Ealing Broadway [EAL] - GWML (29/06/2022) (youtube.com) Last time I checked the British Rail Class 444s are not commuter trains, to be fair they only use the District line between Wimbledon and East Putney for ECS (Empty Coaching Stock) moves and also diversion moves. Class 444 Passes Wimbledon Park *VERY RARE* (Passenger train) (youtube.com) I Like The british Rail Class 483 (talk) 22:59, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

I'm with you on this one. The Elizabeth line does not count. I just got tired of arguing since Metrosfan would not seem to let it go. Rckania (talk) 01:34, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

It's not a part of London administrative-territorial unit, but it is a part of agglomeration. Very edge of it. If the line shares tracks with half a hundred freight pairs per day. The it definitely not eligible, just like MCD. Elk Salmon (talk) 11:55, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

I though there was a long-standing consensus that KoRail (specifically Line 1 of Seoul Metro which goes to Incheon) should not be added to the list because it is also used by freight trains. Ymblanter (talk) 15:00, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

the korail lines are basically like S bahn lines. So a tunnel for mainline commuter trains. Rckania (talk) 15:46, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

I want to note specifically about Berlin S-Bahn. Unlike other S-bahn systems, Berlin's one is operating within the agglomeration, fully isolated and running on exclusive infrastructure with third rail electrification. Same applies to RER. There are just few stations goes off the agglomeration. The system is isolated and serving the city. Elk Salmon (talk) 11:55, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

@Oknazevad: and I am sure there are more regulars who should be pinged. Ymblanter (talk) 16:05, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

I remember the KoRail discussions. Definitely was consensus to omit them. (I also remember the harassment of a new user who was just trying to help. Could he have been a little bit more accommodating, sure. But the behavior aimed at him was totally uncalled for.)

Every recent discussion has basically said to omit S-Bahns as being really more commuter rail than metro. They may do the heavy lifting in place of metros in some cities, and they may run nearly as frequently, especially where they interline in city centers, but they're wider station spacing and lower frequency in outer areas, along with many still having physical connections to the national networks, makes them a separate thing. There's a reason German has a separate terms for U-Bahns and S-Bahns. Paris's RER is just a French name for an S-Bahn. The key thing is that nowhere will anyone find a source calling the RER the world's longest metro. So listing it as a metro is clearly invalid original research. oknazevad (talk) 16:23, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

You could make the case for the Berlin S-bahn, but only the Berlin S-Bahn. It runs on exclusive tracks and uses third rail. It's even more apparent when you look at the history. The Ubahn and the S-bahn were built by competing companies. It just happened that the S-bahn was brought under ownership of the National Railway Company when it was formed. Rckania (talk) 19:03, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

@Terramorphous: Ymblanter (talk) 16:26, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

The problem is that there is no clear cut definition of what constitutes a Metro. Instead we have a continuous range from Mainline long distance trains to short shuttles within a tunnel. Somewhere we say, "To the left are Metros, to the right are non-Metros." The word 'Metro' comes from the name Metropolitan Railway - the World's first Metro. And yet when people start nit-picking, it seems that they may have to exclude the Metropolitan Line. I'm reminded of climatologists who messed with the definition of Mediterranean Climate so that place such as Italy and Greece now have a Pseudo-Mediterranean climate. So what do we do? Do we include the frequently served Elizabeth Line that runs through tunnels in central London or do we exclude the London Underground because it dares to go above ground. I still remember a time when goods trains ran on the Metropolitan line to Smithfield meat market in the middle of London. (There were special sidings under the market where the car park is now.) If we start excluding real Metros because of some fancy definition, is this list useful? OrewaTel (talk) 20:40, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Going above ground was never the problem. The problem is that it runs on mainline tracks shared with other trains of various types. And it is clearly something different from the London Underground. The sub-surface lines of the Underground are literally the oldest underground railway lines in the world, so of course they are going to have some quirks that are grandfather in. They were built before the lines were drawn. As, frustrating as it is to some peoples who like rigid definitions and want everything to fit in a box, older metro systems get a free pass if they have oddities that would disqualify them if they were built later. This is why the Oslo Metro and Chicago L count (despite their grade crossings) while the St Louis Metrolink and Charlotte blue line don't. Rckania (talk) 20:58, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

The Elizabeth Line is clearly different? Tell that to the thousands of commuters who go to their Metro station to ride home after work each day. OrewaTel (talk) 21:11, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Tell that to TFL. The Elzabeth line is one of the many commuter rail lines in London. It's part of that network. Rckania (talk) 21:15, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Then we have to include most of infrastructure in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Moscow. It's also "their metro". Elk Salmon (talk) 11:55, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

At the end of the day, what it almost always comes down to, if you're not sure, is how they are regulated and managed in their respective country. The line 1 of the Soeul subway is regulated as a mainline railway and operated by KoRail, therefore it's not a metro. The Tokyo Metro has trains from mainline railways running on the system, but it's regulated like a metro and operated by the local transport authority, therefore, it's a metro. The Yamonte Line is owned and operated by JR East and is regulated as a mainline railway, therefore, it's not a metro. The london underground sub surface lines are managed by local authorities and are regulated as metros, they are metros. The Elizabeth Line is owned by Network Rail and is regulated as heavy rail, therefore, it's not a metro. The Berlin S Bahn is operated by DB, therefore, it's not a metro. Merseyrail is owned by Network Rail and is part of the national rail system, therefore, it's not a metro. The U5 Line in Essen is regulated as a tramway, therefore, it's not a metro. I could go on and on, but you get the point. Rckania (talk) 21:14, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Maybe the way this list is defined is too narrow and should be scrapped for a more inclusive "list of urban railway systems" Which can include metros and s-bahn like systems, but excludes light rail and trams. This will allow for the inclusion of not just Merseyrail, the Lizzy Line, the London overground, Metrovalencia, and the Berlin S Bahn, but it can also include things like the Wuppertal Monorail, and the Warsaw Commuter rail. If this list is truly beyond saving, this is my proposal for going further. Rckania (talk) 21:23, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

There's a wiki on fandom that's basically the same as this but they included some light rail, premetros and maybe even commuter rail systems on it, it says it does contain some light rail systems on it Metrosfan (talk) 22:56, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

"Korail Metros" were already within the list, but it had inconsistent details. What I did was mostly fixing these up, as there were inconsistent details about almost all systems in Busan and Seoul.

I think at least some parts of Line 1 should count, at the very least, and there is possible debate about other Korail lines counting for this list, but I think that debate is not a useful one. On one hand, I have added detail that implies that line 1 is counted as a metro (because it really should be), but I have also removed Donghae Line in Busan as a metro, as that has 30 minute headways and also shares tracks with freight and other mainline services.

For the most part, the mainline services on line 1 tracks are quite rare, with the exception of Gwangmyeong shuttle and the Cheonan-Sinchang section where line 1 does not have dedicated tracks for itself. However, most objections arise from the argument that line 1 shares the same corridor as Korail's mainline passenger and freight services. Despite this, line 1 does indeed have dedicated tracks for the most part and I think it should count.

Further, it should be noted that some Korail lines (namely, Line 3, Line 4, and the Suin-Bundang line), operate on 100% dedicated tracks and only shares tracks with other Korail "metro-style" services. I assume that would be the reason why it was included in the list to begin with.

I still have no idea how one would count 7 lines for Seoul Metro, though, the beginning part of this list clearly states that the criteria for dividing systems is mostly the operator, and there are quite clearly 9 lines operated by Seoul Metro, and 11 lines owned by Seoul city government (this is the figure I used). Laggingcomputer (talk) 13:39, 22 January 2024 (UTC)

also why is Bursaray on this list, it looks morely like a light rail system than a metro system, The rolling stock for Bursaray system is like the Frankfurt U-Bahn which is clearly a light rail/premetro Metrosfan (talk) 23:00, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

So? The rolling stock is similar but the services are different Rckania (talk) 01:26, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

Fair i guess Metrosfan (talk) 01:49, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

I am also sure we had a long-standing consensus that Tyne and Wear Metro should not be added, but I see it on the list again.--Ymblanter (talk) 20:20, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

not really. It was on this list for longer than it wasn't. It also included in every other language version of this article. It only got removed because of an argument that happened a couple years ago. Rckania (talk) 21:08, 20 January 2024 (UTC)

the Tyne and Wear Metro clearly must be added, You've already seen @Rckaniaproved that it's a metro system in another discussion thats not yet archived Metrosfan (talk) 00:05, 21 January 2024 (UTC)

Also I saw that the Brisbane Cross River Rail and Melbourne Metro Tunnel keep on getting removed because people think it's part of a suburban Rail network Metrosfan (talk) 00:06, 21 January 2024 (UTC)

because they are? the tunnels in the end are being incorporated into the Melbourne and Brisbane Suburban Rail systems 75.148.89.93 (talk) 03:51, 21 January 2024 (UTC)

I still see it's getting removed even though these systems has already been stated it should not be removed Metrosfan (talk) 23:49, 21 January 2024 (UTC)

They are basically S-Bahn tunnels, but it ultimately comes down to branding. Even though these systems might meet some (or all) criteria for being a "metro" the respective agencies make no attempt to claim these to be metros. Kinda like the JR East suburban services in Tokyo, where some lines -- especially the Yamanote line -- are basically metro lines but don't count for this list. Laggingcomputer (talk) 13:41, 22 January 2024 (UTC)

the Metro Tunnel has already been discussed as it qualifies on this list, and the Cross River Rail is the exact same as the Metro Tunnel, so therefore these systems should not be removed, the person who removed them even saw the note itself Metrosfan (talk) 14:07, 22 January 2024 (UTC)

I wouldn't say that there was actual consensus on Melbourne but that was based also on the complete removal of level crossings in the lines that will be using the tunnel, something which is not happening in Brisbane, which ought to disqualify Brisbane entirely. Additionally, I'm under the impression that the Melbourne system still shares tracks with longer distance diesel rail and freight, which should imply that it should be considered regional rail, if perhaps of a type closer to metro operations similar to the RER 2601:1C2:1400:5990:E06E:40BA:19FB:4908 (talk) 15:52, 23 January 2024 (UTC)

Per https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Stand-alone_lists#Selection_criteria "Selection criteria (also known as inclusion criteria or membership criteria) should be unambiguous, objective, and supported by reliable sources. Avoid original or arbitrary criteria that would synthesize a list that is not plainly verifiable in reliable sources" we should not be trying to come up with our own "original" definition for "what counts as a metro", but instead should see what reliable sources say. If reliable sources say the Elizabeth Line is not a metro line, it is not. If reliable sources say it is, then it is. Matthewmayer (talk) 07:45, 23 January 2024 (UTC)

The TFL says that the Elizabeth Line is a metro style service, the following link links you to the evidence https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/elizabeth-line/your-journey-by-elizabeth-line#:~:text=The%20Elizabeth%20line%20is%20a,be%20inside%20the%20ticket%20gates. Metrosfan (talk) 08:02, 23 January 2024 (UTC)

Metro-style service does not mean it's a true metro. The line shares tracks with other mainline trains outside of the urban core which should give you a pretty clear indication that it's not a metro so please remove it from this list. EZ73 (talk) 22:30, 23 January 2024 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Reliable sources encourages finding secondary sources, ie its less important what TFL call it as a primary source, and more important how other reliable, independent, published sources describe it. Matthewmayer (talk) 05:58, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

I'm afraid there is no one clear source of what is and is not a metro, different countries, different languages, and even different cities within a single country has different standards as to what is and is not a metro.

Not to mention that some "definitions" of metro will be... less than great. Consider that the Metropolitan line, the oft-cited "first metro line of the world" and the namesake of "metro" is not a metro until several decades or sometimes 1 or 2 centuries into its existence depending on how you define a metro. During the early days it was more of an underground mainline connection to the city, much like what can be seen in some Japanese private rail lines.

We could try to use local regulation to define what is a metro, but that leads to all sorts of silly results that get beholden to local regulation in the respective cities, not to mention that it is ambiguous as to what categories of regulation in each country should count as "metro".

Ultimately, I think the only solution to this conundrum is to get rid of most distinctions and use three, clear-cut criteria for "urban rail" and combine all systems as such.

As such, I propose the following:

1. Be useful and practical for moving from horizontally-separated points A and B within a single contiguous city, ideally using city-proper boundaries. This excludes heritage systems and theme park systems, which would be deemed impractical. Any gimmicky system that is slower than walking will be automatically excluded as they are not "useful". Horizontal separation clause exists to eliminate elevators. This also aims to exclude systems that are too expensive to be practical for urban transportation (i.e. HSR systems), as well as systems that are too infrequent to be useful (i.e. most regional and suburban rail systems. Frankly I think suburban and regional rail systems should be included if they can be used like a metro).

1a. The vehicle must come to a complete stop at the points where the hypothetical journey from A and B is set to board and deboard the vehicle. (This exists to exclude crazy ideas like hopping onto freight trains)

2. Be comprised of rail vehicles, which must have physical guidance of some sort, with more than one opening on a side, and a space for passengers to ride on, usually equipped with handles and seats. This excludes BRT systems masquerading as metros.

3. It must be open to passenger usage. Staff-only vehicles, mail rail, and other such vehicles do not count towards this definition.

An optional grade separation clause may be added to exclude tram systems, but seeing how some European "metro" systems are glorified tram systems, I think that is not needed. Laggingcomputer (talk) 19:18, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

I agree with this proposal. My only gripe is the grade separation part. Here's how I think grade separation should be handled: If the system does have grade crossings, but has full preemption with gates and/or lights, it counts. This is in a way and "temporary grade separation." Stuff that is in the same right of way as a road and has to stop at red lights with cars are out. Even if these systems have full priority at intersections, there is no distinction between stopping for cars and stopping for trains. This eliminates most of the Stadbahn systems and stuff like it, but includes stuff like the TW metro, and the Edmonton Light Rail and the Valencia Metro.

TLDR: Stopping at stoplights = not a metro

So, ultimately, making this list more inclusive and including more metro-like systems is better for the average user who knows nothing about trains and is just trying to see if an individual city has a metro system or not. This list should probably be renamed to "List of Electric Urban Rail Systems" just to make things a little more clear. What do the rest of you think? Rckania (talk) 19:58, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

In fact, I'm going to create a new section to discuss this potential split further Rckania (talk) 20:03, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

Also I'm pretty sure there was a time Orlyval was added, it meets like all the criteria's required and, the system is longer than the Lausanne Metro and Dnipro Metro in length and it has same amount of stations as Karaj Metro and more than RTS Link,it has high frequency, fully elevated and it's similar to the Toulose Metro, Lille Metro and Rennes Metro Line A, so why was it removed? its even listed on another language version of this article and on the low capacity metro system list Metrosfan (talk) 14:13, 2 February 2024 (UTC)

Whether that is a metro or not is up for debate, but even if it is a metro, it should really just be considered a part of Paris Metro, being operated by RATP and having rubber-tyred wheels just like certain other Paris Metro lines. A potential argument against that is that it is disconnected from the rest of Paris Metro, but it does still have RER and tram connections which I think are enough. It definitely does not deserve to be its own system when it only has 3 stops. Laggingcomputer (talk) 15:34, 3 February 2024 (UTC)

Orlyval is obviously an airport people mover. And it's appropriately listed on the List of airport people mover systems. It doesn't belong here. oknazevad (talk) 15:39, 3 February 2024 (UTC)

I don't think lines being separated from the main system in the city is a problem, Take Tokyo as a example, the Rinkai Line isn't operated by neither Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway, or why Jakarta LRT and Jabodebek LRT in Jakarta are different Metrosfan (talk) 00:16, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Also for the part of being disconnected, Singapore LRT (i know it isn't a metro but using it as a example) was completely seperated, none of its lines are connected to each other, one line is even in the west while two other lines in the east Metrosfan (talk) 00:18, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

I didn't say it's a problem. Another way to put what I meant to say would be "even though OrlyVAL is separated from the Paris Metro, I think it should just be included as Paris Metro if you really want to insist on it being a metro. Thus, it should not be listed as its own system, and there should not be a separate list entry for OrlyVAL." Laggingcomputer (talk) 00:51, 7 February 2024 (UTC)

why it cannot be a different system? It should just be like how in some other cities like Tokyo, Seoul and Jakarta where a line is separated from the main system Metrosfan (talk) 07:52, 7 February 2024 (UTC)

I would like to mention that this is an almost completely different situation. Tokyo and Seoul have distinct systems because they are operated by different companies. Frankly I am of the opinion that these should be merged into one system too but that's besides the point right now. These are often near-full-fledged metro systems on their own, which warrants the separate system distinction.

Compare this to OrlyVAL, which is basically an airport access shuttle, operated by RATP. There are only three stops on this thing for crying out loud. The only plausible argument for this being its own system is geographic separation and branding, and both are rather weak in my eyes. Laggingcomputer (talk) 01:20, 11 February 2024 (UTC)

The Karaj Metro also has 3 stops only, and the future Johor Bahru-Woodlands RTS Link has only 2 stops, so I don't see why it's a problem Metrosfan (talk) 03:00, 11 February 2024 (UTC)

Johor Bahru - Woodlands is not really its own system either, it connects to Singapore MRT and frankly it would just be a part of Singapore MRT if it weren't for the fact that it literally crosses an international border. As for Karaj Metro, that one has plans for more expansion. Both are quite a different situation from OrlyVAL. Laggingcomputer (talk) 13:20, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

i don't think connecting means they're the same system,as in Manila, the MRT and LRT are different systems but are still connected, same for London Underground and DLR in London Metrosfan (talk) 14:03, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

I think I need to question/challenge the three criteria you have extrapolated from the UITP definition here.

On the first criteria, while I think that is a valid concept for defining a metro the UITP documents don't seem to actually include a definition of urban, so it is an assumption to say it excludes "far suburbs" (not a great term that seems open to debate) or even commuter cities. If we're taking the UITP definition, it seems to just be "urban" broadly defined. Depending on the definition and context, urban can have many meanings; quite often definitions of urban include all contiguous suburbs.

On the second criteria, again I would somewhat agree personally but the UITP definition does not say anything about capacity. And indeed lots of metros have smaller vehicles, so I don't think you can include this as a key criteria when it's not in the definition. That is a critera added on top of the UITP.

On the question of track exclusivity the definition says "operated on their own right of way and segregated from general road and pedestrian traffic", but you appear to have changed that to "isolated and on exclusive tracks", which in my view has a different meaning. It seems the UITP definition defines metro as separated from "road and pedestrian traffic" but not necessarily other train traffic, which makes sense given how often there are exceptions to this rule. Is the assumption that "own right of way" means "no other rail traffic", because that is not how I interpret that term and it seems like that is being inferred in the definition rather than read. Not even getting into the fact that multiple systems on the list already don't follow this.

So if we are actually using the UITP definition as the basis for determining this list then we should draw criteria that directly from the key components of their definition. Something like:

1. An urban guided transport system operating on their own right of way and segregated from general road and pedestrian traffic

2. Can operate in tunnel, viaducts or on surface level but with physical separation in such a way that inadvertent access is not possible

3. They may be known as the underground, the subway or the tube

4. Rail systems with specific construction issues operating on a segregated guideway (e.g. monorail, rack railways) are also treated as Metros as long as they are designated as part of the urban public transport network.

This would allow a lot more systems like the Elizabeth Line, which doesn't bother me personally. In my view, given the weak UITP definitions this page as it stands essentially constitutes OR and should either properly follow the UTIP definition, find a new definition or be changed to a "list of urban rail systems" using a broad definition like UTIP or similar. Gracchus250 (talk) 03:58, 11 February 2024 (UTC)

Metro Tunnel and Cross River Rail

Consensus needs to be established in order to add these systems. At present, there is not consensus, and the only "discussion" involved one editor.

@CCL-DTL: @Metrosfan: @Ymblanter: @Oknazevad: @Epicgenius: Please discuss. Cards84664 16:26, 23 January 2024 (UTC)

I don't know enough about the latter to really comment, but as for the former, I do not think it should be included. It's more akin to SEPTA's Center City Commuter Connection than a true metro. oknazevad (talk) 16:37, 23 January 2024 (UTC)

But the Metro Tunnel has already been discussed in July and August 2023, so I don't get why they have to remove it and not allow people to re add it Metrosfan (talk) 00:00, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

Looking back through that discussion, there isn't a clear consensus to include. oknazevad (talk) 00:18, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

Pinging @Steelkamp as they initiated the Talk:List of metro systems#Brisbane discussion earlier. Fork99 (talk) 20:41, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

I don't think I've participated in the previous discussions about this topic. However, I will note that the Cross River Rail article describes it as a "commuter rail line" that is part of the local commuter rail network. Similarly, Metro Tunnel's article describes that project as being for a suburban rail line. Neither of these seem to be true metros, but rather an underground segment of a mainline railway line, akin to the underground portions of the Elizabeth line or the Réseau Express Régional. – Epicgenius (talk) 02:01, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

That is exactly correct. Related, I am concerned that each system is being judged on a case-by-case basis by Wikipedia editors, which practically amounts to original research. We need to be using a database from somewhere else rather than making the decisions on what is a metro ourselves. Steelkamp (talk) 02:31, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

pinging @SHB2000 since he's also involved in readding them in the past few weeks Metrosfan (talk) 01:16, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

It was agreed upon last year to include Metro Tunnel for the reasons mentioned by Gracchus. No comment on CRR. --SHB2000 (talk) 01:38, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Pinging @Gracchus250 as I remember off the top of my head that they were involved in previous discussions on this talk page and were just mentioned by SHB2000 above. Fork99 (talk) 05:27, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

I will say, though: SEPTA's w:Center City Commuter Connection is more akin to Sydney's w:City Circle, ESR or Airport Line or Melbourne's w:City Loop rather than the Metro Tunnel which on its own has all the standalone features of a metro (signalling, grade-separation, platform screen doors, semi-automation, station distancing, etc) – the real question arises because of the rest of the line. --SHB2000 (talk) 23:29, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

And that's the thing. The rest of the line. Having a metro-like section in the city center doesn't make a line a metro if the rest of it is just an ordinary part of the suburban commuter rail network. A metro line is a metro line from end to end of its not a metro line at all. This idea that just because a tunnel section meets some metro design standard that means the city now suddenly has a metro system for that tunnel portion only is wrong. This is an issue we've discussed in the past. It's why some of the systems we left out were left out in the first place. oknazevad (talk) 16:21, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

^ Agree. Calling a part of a suburban railway network a 'metro system' is wrong, just because it has the typical shebang of a typical metro line doesn't automatically grant it 'metro system status'. CCL-DTL (talk) 16:27, 27 January 2024 (UTC)

@CCL-DTLDid you even see the invisible note? The Metro Tunnel has already been discussed that it qualifies here, so you shouldn't have removed it before discussing first, you can't just remove something that's ALREADY been DISCUSSED and not allow people to re-add it without discussing when it's already discussed it qualifies here Metrosfan (talk) 01:06, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

Again, no clear consensus to keep/add them. CCL-DTL (talk) 08:29, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

That's only for the Cross River Rail Metrosfan (talk) 08:43, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

Sorry, CCL-DTL, but Metrosfan is right here. It was quite widely agreed upon after its addition and no one contested it until now. Only CRR is at issue here. --SHB2000 (talk) 11:55, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

exactly, however it might be unfortunate that he's still not gonna allow us to re-add it even after that, he keeps thinking there's no clear consensus to add it Metrosfan (talk) 14:31, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

I concede - after reading a bit I will agree to keep the Metro Tunnel in here, as the entire section the Metro Tunnel is built upon will be converted into a rapid transit service (if I'm reading it correctly).

The Cross River Rail should still NOT be added back though, that's a whole different thing CCL-DTL (talk) 13:39, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

I agree with you regarding CRR. Apparently some of the line still has level crossings further south (which will be removed eventually but not upon opening). --SHB2000 (talk) 10:57, 1 February 2024 (UTC)

What is "the rest of the line", really?

I could use a similar argument to say that Tokyo only has 3 metro lines (Marunouchi, Ginza, and Ōedo) since all the other lines through-run with other suburban rail lines and are therefore essentially just metro "core" of a larger, suburban rail system.

If you want to argue that the "core" section has to be expansive, well, just how expansive? 9 km is already longer than some of the extremely short metro lines, including the Waterloo and City Line.

I have already talked about this in my comment for "Proposed merge: 'List of Electric Urban Rail Systems'"; it is often not clear where a line ends and begins.

If you try to use percentage, you encounter the issue where an extension of a system causes the system to lose a metro line.

If you use a strict length (for example, that at least 10 km of the thing should qualify as being a metro), we are using arbitrary definitions that would qualify and disqualify some lines from being metros just based on what we think.

If you go off of how it's branded and displayed on a map, well, that's another arbitrary distinction that ultimately hinges on the municipality's whims. We have already agreed that "it's a metro because the municipality says it is" is not acceptable. Laggingcomputer (talk) 02:26, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

Exactly, I literally put it as already discussed and not to remove without discussing however CCL-DTL keeps on removing them and claiming it's part of Melbourne and Brisbane's suburban railway network, he even saw the invisible note itself but yet he still removes them and don't allow people to re-add it, I re-added it the third time it get removed by someone else again and he just expected us to just start this new discussion about Metro Tunnel and Cross River Rail when it's already discussed Metrosfan (talk) 14:04, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

Because the previous discussion didn't have consensus to add them. They don't qualify. oknazevad (talk) 16:22, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

The thing is he already saw the note, if he dosent approve this he should have left those systems there and discuss first, then only remove after discussion ended Metrosfan (talk) 00:21, 27 January 2024 (UTC)

How does it not? For the CRR, ok maybe, but for Metro Tunnel, Gracchuss has already showed the reason why it qualifies, as mentioned by SHB2000 Metrosfan (talk) 08:43, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

After Gracchuss thoroughly explained what made it a metro system, no one successfully rebutted their statement. It was agreed upon to leave Metro Tunnel as-is and add or remove it once it opens as per w:WP:CRYSTALBALL. --SHB2000 (talk) 23:12, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

I disagree that Melbourne Metro should be considered a rapid transit standard since

- Despite the claim to have full grade separation, there will still be pedestrian crossings

- Never in any plans that the using Metro Tunnel was intended to be a separate metro system

- Cranbourne and Pakenham lines already completely used high-capacity trains (they would be metro standards if using this argument)

- Regional and freight trains still will use the line

Yes, there are exceptions where they may breach some metro criteria (London Metropolitan line with the London Underground, Hong Kong East Rail Line with MTR, Oslo Metro Line 1 etc.) but they tend to be part of a wider metro network which have other lines that don't break any of the metro criteria and have true metro origin so they are given a pass compare to Melbourne which does not have other true metro lines in the rail network until Suburban Rail Loop. Mhaot (talk) 11:21, 1 February 2024 (UTC)

Not really, They're a lot different to the existing Melbourne Suburban Railway Metrosfan (talk) 11:30, 1 February 2024 (UTC)

The are only slightly different with the overhead voltage already but High Capacity Metro Trains were actually tested on other rail lines ,and Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will still be on a Main line railways since VLine service and Freight already and will continue to use the line. Tell me any similar metro standard line that will be similar to service of a Metro Tunnel. Mhaot (talk) 12:14, 1 February 2024 (UTC)

Cranbourne + Pakenham do not use advanced metro signalling unlike Metro Tunnel, though. --SHB2000 (talk) 12:00, 1 February 2024 (UTC)

Proposed merge: "List of Electric Urban Rail Systems"

Given how un-useful the current definitions of "metro" and "rapid transit" are, I and a couple other users have proposed expanding this list and making it more inclusive. In my opinion, it's more useful to make this list more inclusive, not less. This will allow for the inclusion of systems like Merseyrail, Metrovelencia, and the Elizabeth line, the latter of which has become especially divisive. Here is a sample of what proposed list could look like:

City	Country/ region	Name	Type	Service opened	Last expanded	Stations	Lines	System length	Annual ridership (millions)
Newcastle	United Kingdom	Tyne and Wear Metro	Light Metro	1980	2008	60	2	77.5 km (48.2 mi)	29.3 (2022)
London	United Kingdom	London Underground	Rapid Transit	1863	2021	272	11	402 km (250 mi)	1,026 (2022)
		Docklands Light Railway	Light Metro	1987	2011	45	7	34 km (21 mi)	92.3 (2022)
		Elizabeth Line	Frequent Commuter Rail	2022	2023	41	1	117 km (73 mi)
Liverpool	United Kingdom	Merseyrail	Frequent Commuter Rail	1903	2023
Valencia	Spain	Metrovalencia	Frequent Commuter Rail	1988
Calgary	Canada	O Train	Light Metro	2019

Rckania (talk) 20:34, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

• Oppose. There are clear and authoritative sources for what constitutes a metro, and whether a system meets those qualifications such as the UITP, the APTA, and expert authors like Robert Schwandl. And this article used to be heavily based on those. The problem is every local comes along and tries to add their city's new train because of some local pride thing, and that has watered down the list and its definitions. We've got folks trying to add commuter systems, light rail, and even street trams that happen to have a tunnel section in the city center as a metro, when they clearly don't fix metro characteristics end-to-end. Instead of watering down the title and bloating the list by putting different categories into one article, we should remove these systems that aren't listed in the authoritative sources.

oknazevad (talk) 21:23, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

that is what I'm trying to say before, but the Elizabeth Line people won't budge and will not allow it to be removed. Rckania (talk) 21:28, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

Remove it anyway. There's clearly no consensus for inclusion, nor is it sourced as a metro. "Metro-like" does not mean "is a metro". oknazevad (talk) 21:38, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

Ok. I just did. If metrosfan adds it again, we might need to enlist the dispute resolution team. Rckania (talk) 22:14, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

There are clear and authoritative sources for what constitutes a metro, but we are not using those sources for some reason? Steelkamp (talk) 02:37, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

@Oknazevad You seem to be under the impression that "metros" and "not metros" is very clear, but I can assure you that is not true.

And really, it shouldn't take much reading on this very website to realize that metros and not-metros have a very fuzzy, if not inexistent boundary. The boundary is perceived differently by each and every person, and it is influenced heavily by the person's background. Take AREX in Seoul for example, which I have listed as a metro line in this article and I truly believe that it is unambiguously a metro line. It has metro-like infrastructure, it connects the city to its two airports, serving the city's own interests, and some people even use it for commuting. However, per regulation, this is not a metro line, this is a mainline rail line, and it even has a history of high speed trains being operated on it. A lot of people would refuse to consider this to be a metro line, but I assure you these people will also quickly change their mind once they have a single ride on the AREX.

Another example I can cite from my personal experience is the example of Shinbundang Line vs Suin-Bundang Line. Both lines serve the purpose of connecting Seoul to its southern suburbs, and actually the Suin-Bundang line has higher within-Seoul ridership (i.e. people that use it for moving between two points within Seoul instead of using it to go to and from the suburbs). I'd actually go as far as to say that the Shinbundang is impractical for transportation within Seoul due to its higher fares. Despite this, a lot of Western transit advocates I've talked to, including some transit YouTubers, tend to believe the Shinbundang line to be a metro, but the Suin-Bundang line to be a not-metro, because the Suin-Bundang line is much longer, venturing far from the city.

I can cite at least 5 more examples of this, all with claims that the line is "unambiguously a metro" while the other side claims it to be "not a metro at all!"

In short, there is no such thing as a single, unambiguous, infallible definition of metro. It's like trying to color a map only using 3 colors. Common sense is defenseless against such blasphemous edge cases like the Keishin Line and regulations are always bound to have weird quirks. There is simply no way to include the Metropolitan Line -- the first and least-metro-like metro line -- while excluding the Yamanote Line -- the most metro-like line that isn't -- without coming up with completely arbitrary, made-up distinctions.

I think there is some practicality to be had in reorganizing this entire family of lists (including suburban, regional, light metro, whatever) into "List of Urban Rail systems in {continent name}", since the current list already suffers from being too big. North American metros generally tend to be similar to each other, and same goes for most of Europe and East Asia. That way, the different regions' different approaches to "metro" and the different connotations of the name can be implemented by having different inclusion standards per region.

I think it's useful for the North American and European lists to specify that "metro" lines should be mostly separated from the rest of the mainline system. If I recall correctly, the US government strictly bans "metro" systems from sharing tracks with other systems, while European systems just tend to be more isolated, with the notable exception of some London Underground lines. However, in Japan and South Korea, this isolation is simply not a thing. The European definition could include the grade-separation clause, both because European metro systems tend to be better grade-separated but also because of the pure abundance of tram systems in Europe. However, I think the Asian list could probably get away without including the grade-separation clause, as there are fewer tram systems in operation in the present day, and "metro" systems that fail to attain grade-separation is much more common. Laggingcomputer (talk) 05:17, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Ideally I think we could add a column e.g. "Sources" which shows which reliable sources state that the system is a metro. For example [U] could indicate that the UITP says its a metro, [A] could indicate that the APTA says its a metro, and [S] could say that Robert Schwandal says its a metro. Coming up with our "own" definition of what is a metro is original research. Unfortunately the UITP dataset seems to be behind a paywall - https://cms.uitp.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Statistics-Brief-Metro-Figures-2021-web.pdf - perhaps we could ask them if they'd provide a least a list of what they consider to be metros according to their definitions to help the Wikipedia article?

Matthewmayer (talk) 15:10, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

What are we gonna do when these sources disagree? For massive, interconnected systems like Seoul and Incheon Metros, some sources will inevitably cite them as single systems, while others list them separately? What is this list gonna do? Include both of them?

There is no single, trustworthy authority on what a metro is in the same way there is no one global standard for what a country is, or what a bus is. Different authorities are gonna disagree and then it's gonna be the same problem of arguments over and over again.

Further, consider my point that a lot of these "definitions" of metros are seldom useful. We need to consider what information we wish to convey from this list. Do we wish to convey a gospel, "this is the list of metros" situation that includes some very not-metrolike metros while excluding some very metrolike not-metros? Or do we want this list to be a useful list for people to look up urban transportation systems in different cities? Most English sources say that South Korea has 6 metro systems, but are we conveying a useful, practical information to the reader by separating Incheon metro from Seoul metro, despite the unified fare schemes, through-running schemes, and the interconnected nature of Incheon Metro, Seoul Metro, and some of the more metrolike suburban rail lines operated by Korail? Laggingcomputer (talk) 16:42, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

The reason why I am suggesting to just completely abolish this list is because of this ambiguity in its definition. A "list of metro systems" is never gonna be as clear-cut as a "list of commercial passenger airplanes" or even "list of hotels in London," because the standard for a metro is fundamentally subjective. When asked for the criterion, most sources cite something like "good frequency", "high speed (compared to trams or buses)", "large capacity," well, exactly how "good" and how "high speed" and how "large"? The sources themselves have to draw a line somewhere and even these seemingly-robust, reliable lists will be filled with inconsistencies and disagreements between each other. And all of this is even before we get into the argument of what really counts as a "system" as I have questioned in my previous reply.

There is no comprehensive, unambiguous, infallible standard for what a metro is, because asking for a list of metros is like asking for a "list of good hotels in London" instead of a "list of hotels in London", how are you gonna define "good"? Laggingcomputer (talk) 16:50, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

So, you are in favor of the merge, but want to split it by continent, right? Rckania (talk) 19:37, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Yes, this is correct. Laggingcomputer (talk) 19:47, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Ok. For The Americas, it can just be left as "Metro Systems", as frequent urban rail systems that use mainline tracks just don't exist there. For Europe, I do think it should be "List of Electric Urban Rail Systems in Europe", because there are lots of situations like Merseyrail and Metrovalencia that function the same as a metro, but technically aren't metro systems. This list should include those. Rckania (talk) 19:57, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Sure, but it might be better to call it "urban rail systems of North America" just for the sake of consistency with other lists. Some readers might wonder "why is there a metro list for NA but no other continent?" and we would have to explain it to them and all... Laggingcomputer (talk) 13:24, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

I think combined, North and South Don't have too many metros that won't fit on one list Rckania (talk) 20:27, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

Sure, but I still think we should just leave it as "Urban Rail Systems" for consistency, that was the main point. Laggingcomputer (talk) 02:28, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

Fair enough Rckania (talk) 06:13, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

@Laggingcomputer: Oh, how would we handle Australia and Africa? They don't have enough metro systems to warrant their own list. Rckania (talk) 01:03, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

"What are we gonna do when these sources disagree?"

"Deciding which sources are appropriate depends on context. Material should be attributed in-text where sources disagree." from Wikipedia:Reliable sources Matthewmayer (talk) 02:15, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

That still doesn't solve the issue that most sources have a very vague definition anyways. Further, my point isn't that the sources disagreeing is a fundamental issue with using sources; instead, specifically in this list, there could be arguments (just like the ones we are having now) about which sources to believe. We already have tons of issues with arguments, and this proposal exists to attempt to solve these disputes. "Just use credible sources like" doesn't fix anything. Laggingcomputer (talk) 14:18, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

I would also like to mention that APTA (one of the sources you suggested) doesn’t have a separate standard for metros either. They are split into buses, rail transit, and commuter/intercity rail. Laggingcomputer (talk) 18:22, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

The APTA most certainly has separate categories for light rail and heavy rail (metro). See this 3rd quarter 2023 ridership report, which is what we already use as the ridership source in the List of United States rapid transit systems and List of United States light rail systems articles. oknazevad (talk) 21:40, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

I just had some time to look at the linked UITP PDF, and I don't think that that source can be trusted. It lists Seoul Metro as having a total length of 527 km, and honestly I have no idea how one would even get such a figure. Seoul Metro + Incheon Metro as per the strict, "owned by Seoul" and "owned by Incheon" definitions are only around 420 kilometers, and even adding the other feeder light metro systems brings us nowhere near 500 km so where they magicked 100 km is lost for me. It also lists Tokyo as having 381 km of metro, which is awfully too high, once again. The conventional definition of Tokyo Metro yields 318 km, and even including several other lines that could be considered metro lines, I got nowhere near the required 63 km of extra length.

As per the definition cited at the bottom of the PDF, it says "Metros are high capacity urban rail systems, running on an exclusive right-of-way. Metro lines included in the above statistics run with trains composed of a minimum of two cars and with a total capacity of at least 100 passengers per train." Which is awfully loose, what is "urban", what is "high capacity"? It is technically possible to use the Shinkansen to go between several stations within the Tokyo Metropolis, is that urban? Does the "exclusive right-of-way" allow for level crossings or not? Why on earth would they exclude Japanese urban private rail companies when they fit most of these definitions? (And no, they didn't include private railways to get to the 381 km figure, if I included all private rail lines that fit this definition, it would be way, wayyy over 381 km.)

As I have already said, these definitions are in no way sufficient, and I stand in my belief that trying to rigorously define what a "metro" is a futile effort that will culminate in nothing. Laggingcomputer (talk) 19:12, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

The UITP is the main international body. The fact that their definitions may be loose already allows for that fuzziness you mention. But most importantly, they're a reliable third party source, not original research. oknazevad (talk) 19:26, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Fuzziness is the entire problem. That's why there are arguments about this certain systems being included in here at all.

The Elizabeth line, in my eyes, perfectly fits those definitions, at least the core section that is. "Elizabeth Line Core" would be a valid entry in my eyes, as it is high-capacity, urban, and has exclusive ROW in the core, but I know many people would disagree with this.

The entire point of this proposed merge is to get rid of this potential for argument, and what your argument does is just adding onto this argument, instead of refuting it. Laggingcomputer (talk) 19:42, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

I'd support a merge for the reasons given by Laggingcomputer and the point made by Steelkamp, which I 100% agree with, which is that, despite there being sources in the article, editors are often entirely ignoring what those sources say and making their own calls on what is or isn't a metro. That's the very definition of WP:OR. A unified list would solve that. Valenciano (talk) 20:03, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

Ok, given that quite a few people are in support of the merge, I created a draft for the Europe list. This does not mean a merge will happen, but it gives us a place to discuss this topic further and hopefully improve.

Draft:List of Electric Urban Rail Systems in Europe - Wikipedia Rckania (talk) 20:09, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

I also made one for all systems: Draft:List of Electric Urban Rail Systems - Wikipedia

We don't know if it will be by continent or all systems. Rckania (talk) 21:40, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

As I said in the above section, though, you can't do "core". It's either the whole line or not at all. That's always been the inclusion criteria. See entries for Boston or Philadelphia, for example. oknazevad (talk) 16:30, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

I just wanted to come here and give my support to the oppose team. I think the concept of a "Metro" is extremly subjective. But I think a metro should feel like one. I use this logic inspired by Justice Potter Steward: "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description ["Metro"], and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and urban railways like Metrovalencia o the Elizabeth line are not that." They don´t feel like metros.

I do like the idea of a List of Urban railways. Then we can include them as well as the Biotren from Chile and the S-Bahn from Berlin. Theonoentiendo (talk) 18:46, 14 February 2024 (UTC)

It would be nice to just have a list of "metro" that includes everything that "feels like metro" if there were a clear line.

But there isn't a clear line. There's all sorts of edge cases and disputes about what is and is not a metro. Perfectly rational and logical people look at these edge cases and make completely different conclusions from each other. Sure, you might look at the Elizabeth line and think that that's not a metro but to me that quite obviously is. And even if you chalk this example up to me being irrational, there are tons and tons of other edge cases like a bunch of Tokyo metro lines with private rail or even JR through-running.

Further, as described by @Matthewmayer, Wikipedia lists are supposed to have pretty rigid definitions. I don't think it needs to be said that "it should feel like a metro" is much worse than possible original research from defining "Urban Railway." If people start adding things that "feel like metro," we might as well reach the urban railway list without even changing the title. Laggingcomputer (talk) 13:48, 16 February 2024 (UTC)

Theres already a article on fandom that shows the list of every urban rail systems, it included a lot of light rail and commuter rail systems that may have aspects of metros Metrosfan (talk) 14:06, 16 February 2024 (UTC)

Understandable, Thanks for the explanation :) Theonoentiendo (talk) 07:35, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

i believe that Istanbul, Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku should be included aswell, since Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku are kinda also in Europe and are similar towards the other Soviet Systems in Russia and Ukraine, while Istanbul Metro M1 kind of looks similar to the Tyne and Wear Metro Metrosfan (talk) 11:38, 31 January 2024 (UTC)

i debated whether or not to include Istanbul, but I decided against it because the rest of the Turkish metros won't be listed Rckania (talk) 18:32, 31 January 2024 (UTC)

Support this idea. This list is clearly OR, the UITP definition is very broad and simply does not support the very narrow definition of metro applied in these decisions/discussions. I believe it is misleading in its portrayal of whether something can be easily determined to be a metro or not, it's also a narrowly European definition, which is why American/Australasian/Asian systems where both cities and rail cultures are different so often don't neatly fit into it. I think the term "List of urban rail systems" would suffice and electric can be specified in the text. Or they can be broken up by continent. Gracchus250 (talk) 04:20, 11 February 2024 (UTC)

@Laggingcomputer: @Valenciano: @Metrosfan: @OrewaTel: I created one of the drafts for a potential merge just in case. This does not mean anything will happen, but it's probably a good idea to a draft going, if anything, just to compare the two lists. Draft:List of Electric Urban Rail Systems in Europe - Wikipedia — Preceding unsigned comment added by Rckania (talk • contribs) 20:42, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

What constitutes a "whole line"? Where do you draw the boundary of a "whole line?" the whole through-running? the whole designation? the legal scopes of a single "line?" Sure, "Elizabeth Line Core" might not be a valid line, but Crossrail is, and it only encompasses the Paddington - Stratford/Abbey Woods section, while Elizabeth Line encompasses the entire service. These two things --while related -- are distinct and separate.

Most people would agree that the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line is a metro, even though this line features through-running services to the JR network that may potentially not count as a metro, and this applies to several other Tokyo Metro lines, so if it is branded separately, it is not a single line? Contrast that to the example of Seoul Line 1, Line 3, and Line 4 which many people are reluctant to consider to be metro lines. Until 2000, the Seoul Metro "core" sections of these lines and the Korail sections were displayed and designated as separate lines that simply through-operate, much like the Tokyo Metro example. In 2000, they simply started designating the entire thing as a single line, while changing nothing in terms of operations. Does that really mean that Seoul "lost" 3 metro lines in 2000? Does that not sound a bit silly?

And don't even try to argue that the Tokyo Metro lines with through-running shouldn't count, you'd leave Tokyo with a mere 3 metro lines.

Vagueness is the whole issue, and I, for one, am particularly against "whole line" definitions. Even without these through-running examples, it's easy to demonstrate this "whole-line" definitions' silliness. If a metro line fits all the definitions as-is, but the city builds an extension that violates some condition, "whole line" definitions rule that the city "lost" a metro line.

Further, a lot of this hinges on the branding, if Toei Tozai Line can be a metro but Crossrail can't, that seems to signify to me that once again, this definition would be beholden by the arbitrary designations given by the local transportation agency. We have already reached a consensus that "the city calls it a metro so it's a metro" is complete bogus; by the same token, "it is several different interconnected lines because the city says it is" should not be accepted either.

Even considering other modes of rail transport, this kind of "whole line" justification is rarely applied. Consider HSRs, some HSR networks operate services that operate high-speeds in some "core" or "trunk" section, while operating slower speeds on some other sections to provide HSR access to places that are not directly on the HSR. The KTX does this on several occasions, and even the Shinkansen does this on Akita Shinkansen and Yamagata Shinkansen services. These services are still considered HSR services. The fact that "metro" requires such arbitrary and counterintuitive definitions -- to me -- signifies that "metro" is not really a useful and practical category. Laggingcomputer (talk) 23:13, 26 January 2024 (UTC)

A merged list just changes the argument to "what is an electric urban rail system" instead of "what is a metro". Wikipedia:Verifiability says

"In the English Wikipedia, verifiability means other people using the encyclopedia can check that the information comes from a reliable source. Its content is determined by previously published information rather than editors' beliefs, opinions, experiences, or previously unpublished ideas or information... All material in Wikipedia mainspace, including everything in articles, lists, and captions, must be verifiable. ... Verifiability, no original research, and neutral point of view are Wikipedia's core content policies."

Again, I'd argue that trying to come up with our own unique definitions is against these core content policies. Our own opinions of "what is a metro" are not important. We should be trying to agree on which secondary sources to rely on instead. Matthewmayer (talk) 05:21, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

I think what is an "electric urban rail" is pretty clear, be electrified and function as a part of the urban transportation, be able to be boarded with the use of a transit card, etc. Compared to what a metro is, it is much less of a headache.

"Original research" argument could be refuted by saying that "electric urban rail" is a common sense term, like "bread" or "chair" and that we don't need credible sources, but I know this is a bit sketchy. Laggingcomputer (talk) 14:11, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

As a potential reliable source for Europe for example, https://projects.shift2rail.org/download.aspx?id=2977dbc6-c401-4b23-8c0f-5b4c908cbb81 sec 4.9.1 which is EU-funded research based on UITP data lists the following cities as having metros as of 2019. This could be cross-referenced against the current list Matthewmayer (talk) 13:53, 2 February 2024 (UTC)

Vienna	Austria
Brussels	Belgium
Sofia	Bulgaria
Prague	Czech Republic
Copenhagen	Denmark
Helsinki	Finland
Lille	France
Lyon	France
Marseille	France
Paris	France
Rennes	France
Toulouse	France
Berlin	Germany
Hamburg	Germany
Munich	Germany
Nuremberg	Germany
Athens	Greece
Budapest	Hungary
Brescia	Italy
Catania	Italy
Genoa	Italy
Milan	Italy
Naples	Italy
Rome	Italy
Turin	Italy
Amsterdam	Netherlands
Rotterdam	Netherlands
Oslo	Norway
Warsaw	Poland
Lisbon	Portugal
Bucharest	Romania
Barcelona	Spain
Bilbao	Spain
Madrid	Spain
Palma	Spain
Sevilla	Spain
Valencia	Spain
Stockholm	Sweden
Lausanne	Switzerland
Adana	Turkey
Ankara	Turkey
Bürsa	Turkey
Istanbul	Turkey
Izmir	Turkey
Glasgow	UK
London	UK

Matthewmayer (talk) 13:53, 2 February 2024 (UTC)

• Support Given how arguments have been made back and forth umptillion times here before (as there is no single clear definition), I think it makes sense to finally avoid any ambiguities by merging them together. --SHB2000 (talk) 09:19, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

  Thanks. Would you like to contribute to the drafts? Rckania (talk) 18:17, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

• Support Support this endeavor given the well-established difficulties with defining metros in one specific way. Thanks for taking it on! I'd like to share two comments: (1) I'm not in favor of splitting the lists by continent as that would help introduce inconsistencies and would be somewhat duplicative of already existing country-specific articles like Urban rail transit in China and List of United States rapid transit systems and (2) There might not be a need to specify "electric" in the title of the proposed article as the overwhelming majority of urban rail systems are electric and since the specific power source is (arguably) not the defining feature of urban rail. Pyzirikov (talk) 00:26, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

  There are currently tow drafts going, but it's taking awhile. The Europe list is nearly complete, while the list for the whole earth is untouched. I don't know if it will be by continent or not, so I'm working on both, to see which one people like better. I would love to see more people work on these drafts as articles that are written by just one person usually end up pretty crappy or have glaring oversights. Rckania (talk) 17:17, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

  Splitting it into continents is just a suggestive compromise for those who think that the combined list will be too big, and frankly I kinda agree with them. The list right now is already extremely large, and if we expand the definition it will become even larger, perhaps borderline impractical.

  I do see how it will be somewhat duplicative of some lists like the US list, but I'm not sure how the China list plays into this as even within just "East Asia", there are Japan and Korea to make the list different enough in my views, and within the whole of Asia (as it would be split into) resides India, another country with quite a lot of urban rail systems.

  Even with the US list, I think Canada and Mexico have enough transportation systems to justify a separate list, and we could always just merge it into "Americas" and include South America as well. Laggingcomputer (talk) 19:02, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

  How will be handle Africa and Australia? Those continents don't have enough systems to justify their own lists. Rckania (talk) 19:41, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

  Perhaps we can do Americas, Europe, Asia, and "Other Continents" Laggingcomputer (talk) 14:08, 31 January 2024 (UTC)

  Merge Australia into Asia Metrosfan (talk) 06:17, 12 February 2024 (UTC)

  Eh, Asia already has way too many metro systems as-is, I feel. And Australia doesn't really fit along with Asia. Laggingcomputer (talk) 13:23, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

and here is another good source for the Middle East:

https://uclg-mewa.org/uploads/file/921e80d14cd24d8a8db14e7c757376d6/UITP_UCLG-MEWA_Urban_Mobility_%20Report_2020.pdf Matthewmayer (talk) 06:42, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

@Laggingcomputer: @Valenciano: @Metrosfan: @OrewaTel: @Pyzirikov: @SHB2000: The Europe list is done. The draft is not even close to finished, but I belive I got all the systems listed. I am now moving onto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:List_of_Electric_Urban_Rail_Systems_in_The_Americas Rckania (talk) 17:41, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

• Oppose, as most reliable sources agree on three criteria.
  • Being completely grade separate (with FEW exceptions: Chicago, Oslo and Rotterdam)
  • Having high capacity (leaving out light metros),
  • Serving only urban areas (leaving out long commuter lines with downtown metro-style sections).

Adding some of the sources: here (page 18) which also defines "light metro" and here (page 80). Agreeing with Matthewmayer largely on this. --KatVanHuis (talk) 11:11, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

How can we decide whether an exception is valid or not? Why those ones count, but systems with identical infrastructure don't? Rckania (talk) 19:09, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

We decide (as in every case at Wikipedia) based on reliable sources; it's a policy since the birth of Wikipedia. If one (preferably two or more) sources state that Chicago has a true metro system, then it can be added to the list. Systems are highly complicated and will never have identical infrastructure (or history). The Rotterdam system for instance, was newly built as a full metro system. In later years the Dutchies decided to add infrastructure with level-crossings, likely to cut on investment costs. KatVanHuis (talk) 20:14, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

Again, there are still several problems

1. the question of what constitutes a line or a system.

As for lines, if you do "whole through-running" you leave Tokyo with 3 metro lines, if you do "single line" you have to admit "Crossrail" (aka Elizabeth Line Core) and "Jongno Line" (aka Seoul Line 1 core) as metros. And it appears a lot of people disagree on what "grade separation" really means. Some people take this to mean "no level crossings," some people take this to mean "exclusive right-of-way," most seem to take it to mean both. (My objection applies to both cases)

As for grade crossings, I have further objections. Korea has done extensive level crossing removal projects throughout the years, completely eliminating level crossings on several "national rail" sections of Seoul Line 1. Level crossing condition would say that the lines somehow magically turned into a metro line upon the removal of the last level crossing, which is frankly ridiculous!

2. what is "high capacity," anyways? Does this leave out MTA's shuttle lines and Seoul Line 2 depot shuttles because they use trains that are too short to be "high capacity"? If two metro-ish lines use the same model of trains and have similar infrastructure but one has more cars per train, does that really mean that one of them is somehow more metro-like?

3. what is "urban"? People argue about the extent of metropolises and cities all the time, and the last thing we need in here is more argument. Seoul Line 4, being built in the 80s, used to have very rural sections, which were developed over time. Does this mean that the line 4 magically turned into a metro when they developed around the stations despite nothing changing about the service itself? Mind you, similar examples exist all over China as well, so this isn't just a one-off case.

There are a few more issues I would like to bring up, such as my consistent objection (that gets never addressed) that extensions should not disqualify lines from being metros. If there was a perfectly good metro line, but the city extended it with either some non-grade separated sections or some non-urban sections, that shouldn't mean that the city "lost" a metro line. Laggingcomputer (talk) 02:19, 29 February 2024 (UTC)

References

Auto people movers

@Rckania@Nonusme@Matthewmayer@Ymblanter@Oknazevad@OrewaTel@Fork99@Laggingcomputer Should there be a notice about which auto people movers (urban only) qualifies and dosent qualifies for this list, some apm systems like the Macau LRT and Bangkok BTS Gold Line (included in BTS Skytrain's data) were on this list, while some like Detroit People's Mover and Serfaus U-Bahn aren't, it will cause some confusion so therefore, there should be a consensus on which Urban APM is included Metrosfan (talk) 08:50, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

i'm actually not sure where the line is drawn. The Detroit people moved us not included but the French mini metros are. I think it just comes down to the length Rckania (talk) 19:43, 28 January 2024 (UTC)

I would say most people movers and AGT (except VAL and Innovia Metro) should not belong on this list. Also, Macau and Gold Line were not originally on this list, so I would remove them as well. Even for VAL and Innovia Metro some enties would not qualify because of their purpose. Nonusme (talk) 04:51, 17 February 2024 (UTC)

Gold Line was included in BTS SkyTrain data, also I think the Macau LRT qualifies because despite of it's rolling stock its length is gonna be longer than many APM systems because it has a lot of extensions planned, the Singapore LRT kinda qualifies too Metrosfan (talk) 05:41, 17 February 2024 (UTC)

Gold line data was added here: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_metro_systems&diff=1187918905&oldid=1187849292, but I see there was previous consensus to keep Macau on the list. Also, the VAL and Innovia systems have higher frequencies (for example, 40-55 trains per hour in Lille, but Gold Line usually has 10 trains per hour) Nonusme (talk) 21:06, 17 February 2024 (UTC)

i wouldn't really call the VAL systems are apm systems because despite of not having connections between both coaches the back of the coach doesn't have the same front as the front Metrosfan (talk) 01:16, 18 February 2024 (UTC)

My point is that I think that people movers (as in every entry on the people movers article) don't belong on this list. Also, the rolling stock of a system is considered when designating a metro, which is why metro-like systems in Seville and Malaga are also excluded, as they have light rail rolling stock. Nonusme (talk) 01:21, 18 February 2024 (UTC)

hang on but why the Orlyval cannot be on this list even though it's pretty much the same as the Lille Metro, Toulose Metro and Rennes Metro Line A Metrosfan (talk) 06:17, 18 February 2024 (UTC)

Because Orlyval (and CDGval, which is also uses VAL) are airport people movers. Their purpose is to connect different terminals of their respective airports, but they also provide service to the RER. Nonusme (talk) 15:09, 18 February 2024 (UTC)

I don't think they are a problem to qualify for the list, the rolling stock is the same as the Lille Metro, Toulouse Metro, and Rennes Metro Line A, their length is longer than some other metro systems,plus it is listed on the light metro systems list and a different language version of this article, so therefore it does belong here Metrosfan (talk) 06:47, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

Orlyval fails to meet the criteria (1) connecting urban areas (it's an airport related people mover and (2) lacks a higher capacity. The only thing in common with a full metro system is the grade-separated infrastructure. KatVanHuis (talk) 20:19, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

how does it even lack a higher capacity? Metrosfan (talk) 08:41, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Not only because of the lower frequency, but also the very limited amount of stations for people to get on and off the VAL-trains. KatVanHuis (talk) 11:48, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

the frequency is higher than the Chicago L and the Oslo Metro, and those are listed here, and since they completely belong here I believe the Orlyval is the same Metrosfan (talk) 12:02, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

The capacity is build up by (1) frequency, (2) size of each train and (3) the length of a line, as a longer line can employ more trains. Orlyval only delivers at #1.

Also, and as I said before: Orlyval is not urban transit. Like a line that gets you to school, work, hospitals (or other services) and entertainment like cinemas. KatVanHuis (talk) 16:05, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Exactly. It's not a general-purpose line. It exists solely for people to connect to and within the airport. oknazevad (talk) 03:28, 29 February 2024 (UTC)

Although both CDGVal and Orlyval have the same rolling stock as some metro lines, they don't provide frequent enough service (12tph for Orlyval and 15tph for CDGVal, compared to 33-55 tph for the other VAL lines). This, along with the points that KatVanHuis mentioned, is why Orlyval and CDGVal are not on this list. Nonusme (talk) 23:39, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

but it is listed on the medium capacity rail systems list and a different language version of this article Metrosfan (talk) 08:03, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

It probably should be removed from the medium-capacity list. And even if it isn't, medium-capacity systems are just that, a category of systems below metro capacity and therefore not metros. That's why they're not on this list. oknazevad (talk) 08:12, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Also, to add, what other language Wikipedias do is irrelevant. oknazevad (talk) 08:14, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

I can only agree it should be removed from the medium-capacity list. If other language Wikipedia list it as such, either no source or an irrelevant one is used. It should be removed from that list too. Wikipedia works with reliable external resources. KatVanHuis (talk) 11:51, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Two systems missing in Venezuela

The systems of Valencia and Maracaibo (both operating since 2006) are missing. 2806:106E:19:3EE4:F4FB:996D:CC13:64EA (talk) 00:59, 11 February 2024 (UTC)

They're listed at medium-capacity rail system. oknazevad (talk) 01:49, 11 February 2024 (UTC)

Consensus over systems under construction/proposed in cities that already has a metro

There's a consensus in the under construction and proposed section, for the under construction section, it says only metro systems under construction are listed when there are no metro systems operating in the same city. The same thing was also mentioned in the planned system but also says under construction, Should that consensus be removed? I personally believe that some rapid transit systems such as the Metro Manila Subway in Manila and the Cairo Monorail in Cairo, which are under construction, and systems such as Penang Monorail in George Town, Dhaka Subway in Dhaka, and the Bangkok LRT in Bangkok, which are under planning, should be listed as they have their own operator and they do meet criterias Metrosfan (talk) 04:28, 12 February 2024 (UTC)

@SHB2000@Rckania@Oknazevad@OrewaTel @Laggingcomputer@Nonusme@Ymblanter@Mhaot@Matthewmayer Metrosfan (talk) 02:58, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

The current consensus is based on the idea that planned or under construction lines are extensions of the existing systems. That said, if it really is an entirely separate system, operationally speaking, as already is found in some systems in the same city (like the New York City Subway and PATH), then it may make sense to list them separately. Then again, the NYC Subway is also a counter example because of its own history of having been previously three separate systems before unification. oknazevad (talk) 03:39, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

They are, I believe they should be listed, as they are a different system, but still meet the criteria, we should just make a note saying not to add extensions or lines of existing systems that's under planning or construction Metrosfan (talk) 04:01, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

Given the convention that only cities (and metro areas in most cases) that already has a metro system can't be counted, this shouldn't be any different for planned/proposed systems Mhaot (talk) 07:50, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

So what does that mean, should it be removed or kept? Metrosfan (talk) 08:26, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

Example: Lets pretend NYC plans to build a separate new metro system, this will never ever be counted as NYC already has a metro systems. Mhaot (talk) 09:52, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

i personally believe the consensus should be removed, as they have their own branding and operator,leaving the system out of the list until it opens isn't just really.... Kinda inconsistent Metrosfan (talk) 09:54, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

Consensus cannot be added or removed: it can only be achieved. KatVanHuis (talk) 20:21, 19 February 2024 (UTC)

How do we get it removed then? Like Metrosfan (talk) 06:50, 28 February 2024 (UTC)

if it cannot be removed then what do we do to archive it Metrosfan (talk) 06:51, 28 February 2024 (UTC)

Removing it and then archiving it, is still removing it. One can only do what is also done outside Wikipedia regarding consensus. KatVanHuis (talk) 11:37, 2 March 2024 (UTC)

@Mhaot@Oknazevad@Matthewmayer@SHB2000@Rckania@Ymblanter so therefore should it be archived? Metrosfan (talk) 01:43, 3 March 2024 (UTC)

You don't seem to understand what is meant by consensus as a word, let alone the Wikipedia meaning of the term. I'd advise you read up on that. Consensus is never removed. That's just a total misunderstanding of the concept. oknazevad (talk) 05:05, 3 March 2024 (UTC)

Removal of Light metro, LRT and commuter rail system.

Light metro, LRT and commuter rail should not be added here as this is a different type of system as compared to MRT. There is already a dedicated page for light rail as well as other mentioned system such as LRT and commuter rail, so it should be included there not here. The definition of MRT is different so it should not be here, it should be on those pages. Sak7340 (talk) 13:21, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

it was already agreed by other editors here that light metros and light rapid transit do belong here, also the Korail commuter rail lines aren't included there, there are some lines in Seoul that are operated by Korail Metrosfan (talk) 13:37, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Pinging @Mhaot@Rckania@Nonusme@Oknazevad@CCL-DTL@SHB2000@Matthewmayer@YmblanterMetrosfan (talk) 13:38, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@Laggingcomputer Metrosfan (talk) 13:39, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

I agree with removal. There's already a list for those systems at medium-capacity rail system which includes these. It's an apples-to-pears comparison. They're similar and closely related, but still distinct and one wouldn't use pears to make an apple pie. oknazevad (talk) 13:44, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

It has already been including any light metro systems since it was created, many systems that are light metros were already considered to belong here, especially the London DLR, Kuala Lumpur LRT, Bangkok MRT,Manila LRT, Montreal REM, they have already been included since this was created, the light rail and tram systems list even says these type of systems that were branded as LRT qualifies as metro systems, if these sourh korean systems dont belong there, then a lot others especially the ones like the Lille Metro will have to be removed aswell Metrosfan (talk) 13:50, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Please note that light metros, commuter rails, and light rapid transit are distinct types of rail transit systems and should not be included in the definition of mass rapid transit (MRT). The existing definitions of light metros, commuter rail, and light rapid transit do not align with the characteristics of MRT. This information was not included previously and has been edited recently. Sak7340 (talk) 14:09, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Oppose removal of Light Metros as it is metro standard with high-frequency grade separated rail but only with shorter trains (less than six carriages). Most Medium-capacity rail system mentioned has the same technology as well again only with shorter trains

Example - Guangzhou Metro Line 3 and HK MTR Ma On Shan Line (now Tuen Ma Line) used to be classified as light metro or Medium-capacity rail system since it was 3 or 4 cars but was declassified as it was expanded beyond 5 cars not due to technology change Mhaot (talk) 14:12, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

The classification of Light Metros as a metro standard with high-frequency, grade-separated rail, but with shorter trains (less than six carriages), is inaccurate and misleading. Light Metros operate on a smaller scale with lower passenger capacities compared to traditional mass rapid transit (MRT) systems. While Light Metros may share some technological similarities with MRT systems, such as grade separation and high-frequency service, they serve different purposes and are designed for different levels of capacity and ridership.

Light Metros typically have smaller vehicles and shorter train lengths, limiting their capacity to accommodate large volumes of passengers. In contrast, traditional MRT systems, such as those found in major cities like Tokyo, London, and New York, operate with longer trains and higher passenger capacities to serve densely populated urban areas.

Furthermore, the classification of Medium-capacity rail systems as having the same technology as Light Metros, but with shorter trains, overlooks significant differences between the two systems. Medium-capacity rail systems, such as tram-trains and light rail transit (LRT) systems, are designed to operate in mixed traffic environments and typically have lower speeds and capacities compared to Light Metros and traditional MRT systems.

For example, Guangzhou Metro Line 3 and HK MTR Ma On Shan Line (now Tuen Ma Line) may have been classified as Light Metros or Medium-capacity rail systems in the past due to their shorter trains, but their classification was likely adjusted as they expanded beyond five cars, indicating a significant increase in capacity and ridership demand. This change in classification was not solely due to a technology change but rather reflected the evolution of the system to meet growing transportation needs.

In summary, Light Metros, Medium-capacity rail systems, and traditional MRT systems are distinct types of rail transit systems with unique characteristics and purposes. While they may share some technological similarities, their differences in capacity, ridership, and operational characteristics warrant separate classifications to accurately represent their respective roles in urban transportation networks. Sak7340 (talk) 14:24, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

it isn't misleading, that's just how everything is, Medium capacity rail systems are still having higher capacity than Auto people mover and tram systems, and they already have true metro origin, light rapid transit and light rail transit (trams) are different and should not be confused with, as mentioned by @Mhaot, light metros does have metro standard and capacity, also, some MRT systems branded as MRT are literally light metros, just take Bangkok MRT Blue & Pink Line, Manila MRT Line 3, or Taichung MRT, these systems are literally branded as metro and not light metro Metrosfan (talk) 14:36, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

While I appreciate the perspective shared, it's important to clarify that while Medium-capacity rail systems may indeed have higher capacity than Auto people movers and tram systems, they still operate on a different scale compared to traditional mass rapid transit (MRT) systems. The distinction between Light Metros, Medium-capacity rail systems, and other forms of rail transit is crucial for accurately representing their characteristics and operational roles within urban transportation networks.

Furthermore, while some MRT systems may be branded as metros, it's essential to consider the specific characteristics and operational standards of each system to determine their classification accurately. For example, while Bangkok MRT Blue & Pink Line, Manila MRT Line 3, and Taichung MRT may be branded as metros, their operational characteristics, including train length, passenger capacity, and service frequency, may align more closely with Light Metros or Medium-capacity rail systems rather than traditional MRT systems.

Ultimately, maintaining clarity and accuracy in the classification of rail transit systems ensures that stakeholders and the public have a clear understanding of the capabilities and roles of each system within the broader transportation network. Sak7340 (talk) 14:43, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

it isn't that diffrent, the frequency is the same, they still have true metro origin, and besides, train length don't even matter, because some metro lines with shorter length may be heavier than some metro lines with longer length Metrosfan (talk) 14:49, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

While it's true that frequency and origin can be factors in classifying rail transit systems, it's important to consider a combination of factors, including train length, passenger capacity, and operational characteristics, to accurately classify a system. While frequency may be similar across different systems, train length and passenger capacity are crucial determinants of a system's capacity to serve varying levels of ridership demand.

While some metro lines with shorter lengths may indeed have higher passenger capacities due to heavier trains or other factors, it's essential to consider the overall design and capacity of the system in relation to its operational requirements and the needs of the communities it serves. By considering a comprehensive set of factors, we can ensure that rail transit systems are accurately classified to reflect their unique characteristics and roles within urban transportation networks. Sak7340 (talk) 14:59, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

also, there aren't any commuter rail systems/lines on the list, all of them were already excluded, the Shinbudang Line, AREX and Seohae Line in Seoul may look like commuter rail, but similar to many Japanese metro systems that may look like commuter rails, they do belong here, as for Korail, the Korail commuter rail lines are excluded, some of Seoul's Subway lines are operated by Korail, so therefore, thats why Korail is listed in the first place Metrosfan (talk) 14:39, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Light metros are a type of metro system, this article shows the list of all metro systems (operational, under construction and proposed), which Includes light metros, this list isnt only showing heavy rail metros Metrosfan (talk) 00:16, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

But that's just it, "light metro" is synonym for medium-capacity rail system. Literally the opening of that article is "A medium-capacity system (MCS), also known as light rapid transit or light metro". If something is on that list it doesn't go on this one. This is for heavy rapid transit only. oknazevad (talk) 00:39, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

True, I don't understand why it's even a discussion.In consideration section of this article, it's clearly stated thst heavy rail is considered as proper metro not light rail. Sak7340 (talk) 00:49, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

- Never in the wiki page did definition in the page say Metro Systems are high capacity (6 or more)

- Many systems in medium-capacity rail system are still heavy rail and uses the same technology with just less than 6 cars. If it was 6 or more cars, it would be off the list

- Many medium-capacity rail system were built for lower capacity to reduce cost

- Nobody associates it as different systems (other than the reduce length) in cities that have lines that have both "light metro" and 6+ car metro (e.g. Chinese Cities, Hong Kong, Singapore) Mhaot (talk) 01:25, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Yes, some medium-capacity systems use heavy rail tech but run shorter trains/platforms and/or less frequently, possibly with the idea that could more easily upgrade to full metro if the line warrants it in the future. We, however, live in the present, and don't try to predict the future. Especially since other medium-capacity systems are a case of using light rail vehicles but upping the carry capacity by doing things like running them in pairs not singly, fully (or almost fully) grade separating the tracks, or running as frequently as possible, especially during leak periods. That's the thing with medium-capacity systems, they're an in-between level for when full metro is not warranted, but where light rail, which is typically only partially grade separated, or trams/streetcars, which have more extensive street-running, are not robust enough. These are the four industry-recognized categories. We should keep them separate. oknazevad (talk) 03:01, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Wikipedia works on references and not on someone's personal opinions. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) clearly distinguish between these systems. If you have any references to support your answer, I suggest you please mention 2402:8100:2738:571B:ED25:FD85:8B49:75F7 (talk) 01:39, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

1) FTA classified Honolulu Skyline as 'Heavy Rail'

https://www.islandlivingworking.com/post/honolulu-rails-soaring-costs-a-comparative-analysis-with-other-federal-projects#:~:text=The%20FTA%20categorizes%20it%20as,terms%20of%20functionality%20and%20size.

2) When looking at The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) site, it mentions there are different variety modes but did not mention any true classifications. Plus it does not even have light metro in the category.

https://www.apta.com/news-publications/public-transportation-facts/ Mhaot (talk) 01:56, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Alright, so in that case, we can consider the Honolulu skyline as heavy rail, but there is also a dispute about its classification. If you can provide a similar reference for other light rail transit systems that they are heavy rail or can be classified as regular metro, then you can add it. APTA deals with different types of transit systems and categorizes them into various categories, indicating that they consider them as different types of systems. 2402:8100:2738:571B:ED25:FD85:8B49:75F7 (talk) 06:17, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

You need to know the difference, light rapid transit and light rail transits are diffrent, light rail transit is similar to trams, while light rapid transit is light metro, no light rail systems are on the list, Metrosfan (talk) 06:55, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

No, you need to start listening to others and learn what they say. These articles have been around for years because knowledgeable editors have worked on them for all that time. Not someone who read a fandom wiki and thinks they know what they're talking about. I'm beginning to think you don't have a strong enough grasp of the subject matter or Wikipedia policies to really contribute. I don't want to be harsh, but you are coming off as someone who needs to read the articles and their sources, not edit them for now. oknazevad (talk) 07:49, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

The light metro article was made in 2007, while this article was made in 2001/2002, this article was intended to list all metro systems, both heavy and light, so therefore, these light metros should not be removed, this article was never intended to be only for heavy rail metro Metrosfan (talk) 06:52, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

And for your information, there's even some Monorail lines in cities like Chongqing, Sao Paulo, Cairo, Bangkok, Daegu and Kuala Lumpur that qualifies on this list, If we were to remove half of the systems on this list, it will be inconsistent Metrosfan (talk) 06:54, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

First, the metro list article predating the other one only means that a decision was made to split off the article, limiting the scope of this one. Being were talking about something that happened over a decade and a half ago, for someone who just showed up to declare the scope of this article is, frankly, arrogant and ignorant. And again, light metros, anka medium-capacity systems, are not metros, despite that name. Do you understand the role of adjectives? Because I'm beginning to wonder. oknazevad (talk) 07:54, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

If they were being made to split off the article, then all light metros would have been removed already, and about the part of light metros? How are they not even metro systems, did you even see what @Mhaotsaid, these light metros literally have true metro origins, operate in high frequency, they basically meet the criteria required for metro systems? The founders of this article never intended for this article to just be for heavy metros only, it was supposed to be a mix of both heavy and light metros. Metrosfan (talk) 08:22, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Also, if the light metros are already listed on a different article (which was created 5-6 years late after this), why don't you talk about why fandom has a list of urban rail transit system article? Or even talk about why Wikipedia has a list of all metro systems in Europe, this is the same logic Metrosfan (talk) 06:57, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Fandom is not Wikipedia. They have zero bearing on what we do here. Because fandom wikis are user-generated. And usually pretty terrible. oknazevad (talk) 07:45, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Why you added AREX (Airport Railroad Express) of South Korea in this list. It's literally a commuter rail. Commuter rail is very common mode of transport. It should be included in the List of commuter rail article of Wikipedia page, not here. 2402:8100:26E3:E768:CC41:CA67:6E6D:55E9 (talk) 08:13, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Thank you Sak7340 for starting this discussion and patiently replying to the concerns that have been raised. I'd support your idea and would like to suggest an option.

Proposal

• Having two separate worldwide lists on Mass Rapid Transit/Full Metro and Light Rapid Transit/Light Metro.
• Creating lists for each continent combining MRT and LRT for that continent, like already has been done for Europe.

This way readers who are interested in MRT/FM or LRT/LM only, can check one of the two worldwide lists, readers who wish to see all metro systems can go to their continent of interest. An additional bonus will be that all lists will have a more manageable size, both for readers as for us editors.

Major concern is that the most prominent source on Light Metros is the World Bank (see page 17), it leaves us with a big gap between MRT/FM (over 60k pph) and LRT/LM (below 30k pph). The APTA has a nice set of definitions (see paragragh 7), yet doesn't make any distinction between FM and LM as LM isn't mentioned at all. This is likely because the LM's oldest definitions are from either China or Taiwan. The distinction seems to be important to policy makers in several Asian countries including Indonesia and South-Korea. We need to find/renew consensus on where to draw the line between FM and LM.

Note: in this discussion LRT is not light rail, outside this discussion LRT and light rail (transit) are synonyms. KatVanHuis (talk) 09:22, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

I think more people were interested to see both heavy and light metros in the same list than different, if there should also be a article for heavy metro systems only, we should make a new article (like what was done for light metro) entirely for heavy metros only, than removing all light metro systems from this article, this article has already been intended to include both, heavy and light metros systems and should stay the same way Metrosfan (talk) 09:28, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

No, this list is meant to include heavy rapid transit only. In fact, its title was "List of rapid transit systems" until 2009, with the use of the term in the title being consistent with the article rapid transit. It was not meant to include lighter systems, only heavy rail rapid transit. If there's any systems currently on the list that you feel doesn't fit that definition, then list them here for discussion. Don't add ones that don't belong on the list. oknazevad (talk) 09:41, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Metrosfan, we can only guess what people are interested in, so offering both options (worldwide and per continent) will cater to most readers. KatVanHuis (talk) 09:59, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

it however seemed like people were interested in seeing both heavy and light metros together, because if this article was supposed to be only for heavy metro systems, then all the light metro systems/lines would have already been removed or excluded from the system a long time ago,we will have to wait for more common editors to talk about this,besides, if we want a list of heavy metro systems only article, we can create a different new one rather than removing all light metros from this article Metrosfan (talk) 10:02, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

we should wait for more editors to talk about this, hopefully they do see this Metrosfan (talk) 10:04, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

Indeed it will be a big move, so it may be April before we meet Consensus ("Hello, nice to meet you. Where have you been all this time Consensus?). KatVanHuis (talk) 10:25, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

They were removed years ago. The addition of them back in was a) recent, b) opposed, and c) done anyway as part of an attempt to rescope this article without consensus. oknazevad (talk) 15:16, 11 March 2024 (UTC)

I kind of agree with this proposal, however, I think that one list showing all the systems is enough, similar to List of tram and light rail systems, with the "Type" column denoting if it is MRT, LRT, monorail, etc. Nonusme (talk) 00:15, 21 March 2024 (UTC)

I believe these systems should stay, if we were to have a article for list of heavy rail metro systems only, we should make a new article like what's done to light metro, or include it into the Rapid Transit article,there are people who will want to see a combination list of heavy metros, light metros, and monorail metros. Metrosfan (talk) 07:19, 21 March 2024 (UTC)

For the type, I would agree, but we have a problem, some systems operate multiple type of metro styles, Eg: Bangkok MRT operates light metro (Blue and Purple Lines) and monorail metro (Yellow and Pink lines) or Singapore MRT operates heavy metro (NSL, EWL, NEL, TEL) and light metro (CCL, DTL), what are we gonna do? Metrosfan (talk) 07:22, 21 March 2024 (UTC)

A question, what is the definition of a medium-capacity rail system? Is it 250-1000 people on a single train? Is it 10,000 - 30,000 people per hour per direction? The definition is inconsistent and shifts from article to article. Nonusme (talk) 01:11, 12 March 2024 (UTC)

What I'm trying to say is that there should be consensus on a definition for both rapid transit and a medium-capacity system before blindly and randomly removing entries. Nonusme (talk) 01:21, 12 March 2024 (UTC)

Exactly Metrosfan (talk) 07:13, 12 March 2024 (UTC)

The World Bank (and others sources except one) stated to draw the line at 10,000 - 30,000 people per hour per direction. The single train capacity won't work as frequency varies just too much. KatVanHuis (talk) 20:27, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

You're right that single-train capacity doesn't work. I found out that, for example, Paris Métro Line 14 trains can carry 932 passengers, but due to its 90 second headways it can carry about 37,000 people per hour, which is a lower capacity than the Jabodebek LRT trains, which carry 1480 people a trainset, but due to the LRT's 10 minute headways, only about 9,000 people can ride the LRT her hour. Nonusme (talk) 03:28, 15 March 2024 (UTC)

That's actually a very clever example! We could add it to the considerations text if we meet Consensus. KatVanHuis (talk) 14:49, 15 March 2024 (UTC)

I was just wondering about single train capacity because for most systems they're hard to find. Nonusme (talk) 19:02, 17 March 2024 (UTC)

That's true. We could decide to use it as a back up system. KatVanHuis (talk) 09:37, 18 March 2024 (UTC)

The Circle Line in Singapore uses 3 car rolling stocks, however in a lot of times especially the peak hour, the train is extremely crowded, Metrosfan (talk) 14:53, 15 March 2024 (UTC)

Yes, public transport tends to get really crowded during rush hour. KatVanHuis (talk) 19:29, 16 March 2024 (UTC)

also, there are some systems like the Ho Chi Minh City Metro, Kaohsiung Rapid Transit, or Bangkok BTS SkyTrain that are metro systems, but some people may not know theyre light metro or heavy metro Metrosfan (talk) 10:54, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

And also, even though there are differences between heavy metro and light metro, they're both designed to provide efficient, rapid and high capacity transportation in city areas, light metros still meet all the criteria needed for metro systems, if you guys really think light metros are not metros, please find and link a reliable source here, the Consideration section of this article didnt even say that light metros data are excluded, "Some systems may also include light metros, these are listed, but light rails are not counted in data" The consideration clearly proves that light metros belong on this article Metrosfan (talk) 10:59, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

The Ho Chi Minh City Metro hasn't started its service yet, so it's hard to tell. Kaohsiung Rapid Transit is a key example of a system that's fully designed at MRT standards (6-car-trains at 3,15m wide!) but currently lacks passengers so trains are only 3 cars long. We need to find consensus whether to count the designed capacity or the designed capacity. And as for Bangkok's BTS: both lines from 1999 are 4-car trains and are probably capable of carrying 30.000 pphpd, just the Gold Line from 2020 is clearly a light metro.

Light Metros don't meet the capacity definition for MRT: that's why te definition for Medium-capacity system was created in the first place. The links are all in the Light Metro article already. KatVanHuis (talk) 20:38, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

You bring up a good point about the difference between designed capacity and actual current service levels. Personally, I'd lean toward classifying based on maximum designed capacity, as it represents a real physical objective characteristic that serves as both an upper limit on systems that are unequivocally medium-capacity light metros and yet also makes sure that full metro rapid transit systems aren't left out because current demand doesn't warrant using be full capacity; running shorter or longer trains, or reducing or increasing frequency based on ridership demand is a fairly trivial adjustment and not something that should cause a system to be reclassified. Reclassification would need actual major changes to permanent infrastructure, like reconstructing stations to have longer platforms, total replacement of major systems like signaling or power, or other similar changes. oknazevad (talk) 21:16, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

I would be in favour of deciding on maximum designed capacity as well. Some lines need time to grow their passenger demand, some fail to meet the desired numbers. Yet technically they are designed to care more then 30k pphpd. KatVanHuis (talk) 09:02, 14 March 2024 (UTC)

References

Korail

How come Korail was removed here? If we are gonna end up counting it twice, what are we supposed to do? Are we just gonna include the data of Korail into the Seoul Metropolitan Subway network? Because those lines qualify for the list Metrosfan (talk) 00:12, 22 March 2024 (UTC)

Korail is a mainline operator. It's a heavy rail system, not a metro system. Rckania (talk) 18:04, 25 March 2024 (UTC)

I thought metros were heavy rail? 2001:A62:142C:9802:C15C:FFA8:C202:7093 (talk) 03:39, 13 April 2024 (UTC)

Line sharing between systems and operators

Recently, I found out that maps of the Incheon Metro (such as this one: https://www.ictr.or.kr/main/railway/guidance/map.jsp) include Seoul Subway line 7 on them, and also, that the Incheon Transit Corporation has partial ownership of line 7., and that all three lines have the same fare structure, effectively making them one "system". The Circular line in New Taipei and Taipei in Taiwan, and the Guangfo line between Guangzhou and Foshan in China are also other examples of this occurring. So, should these types of lines be listed below both systems' entries, or only one of them? Nonusme (talk) 13:55, 23 March 2024 (UTC)

I was honestly asking about Korail Metro Lines aswell cause someone said if they stay on the list we will count the lines twice Metrosfan (talk) 23:16, 23 March 2024 (UTC)

Well, the Incheon Subway is branded as part of the Soeul Metropolitain Subway. It should all just be one entry. Rckania (talk) 18:02, 25 March 2024 (UTC)

If that's the case, should the Incheon Subway just be merged into the Seoul Metropolitan Subway? Metrosfan (talk) 04:11, 26 March 2024 (UTC)

Yes. They probably should. While they have different operators, they are branded as part of the same system. Rckania (talk) 19:02, 27 March 2024 (UTC)

The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit also has two different operators, but have same systems, therefore the point seems to be valid Metrosfan (talk) 11:18, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

Removal of unsourced planned metro stystem and under construction

There are many unsourced and fantasist metro systems in these categories. I suggest removal of all the unsourced metro systems. Also, it should be clarified what should the ''planned'' section contain. How can we even source this ? Some articles with some politicians promising the construction of an hypothetic metro system doesn't sound like a valid source. I vote for the removal of this section. Capt'n London (talk) 15:03, 3 April 2024 (UTC)

Yeah, there's a reason the inclusion was always "shovels in the ground". I objected to the addition of a "planned" section for that very reason: no actual physical infrastructure exists, so they are not a system yet. Saint until some actual construction happens and put them in that section when it does. oknazevad (talk) 09:44, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

actually sometimes infrastructure for a planned metro exists before it is ever built. This may range from small tunnel segments to entire railroads or elevated lines which were built at some point in the past - sometimes with the explicit goal of conversion to metro but sometimes not.

Just look at the history of Athens Metro or Vienna U-Bahn or the Zürich U-Bahn and Cincinnati subway that never were but which still have/had tunnels you can See... 2001:A62:142C:9802:C15C:FFA8:C202:7093 (talk) 03:36, 13 April 2024 (UTC)

I have removed the planned section based on the long-standing consensus seen in the talk page archives multiple times. It was added without discussion despite being previously rejected multiple times. It must not be re-added based on WP:CRYSTALBALL. oknazevad (talk) 09:53, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

Absolutely. Ymblanter (talk) 10:59, 6 April 2024 (UTC)

Lagos Metro

As with the current frequency of one train every 30mn, it doesn't qualify to be metro. If no one opposes with valid sources, it will be removed from the list. Capt'n London (talk) 15:19, 3 April 2024 (UTC)

Red Line is definitely not a metro however I would not remove the Blue Line given the reason for the low frequencies and due to rolling stock shortages s however the line is built with true metro origins and was intended to function like a typical metro (if it wasn't the power issue). Editors do make exceptions in certain cases. Mhaot (talk) 11:05, 4 April 2024 (UTC)

In that case it should be removed until it operates as an actual metro. Having it included now is missleading as it may never actually run as a metro, as do premetros which aren't included on this list. This is also the same reason why Palembang LRT is not included as for now. Capt'n London (talk) 20:52, 4 April 2024 (UTC)

There already a consensus that any 'True Metro Origins' cannot be removed even if they might break a certain criteria. London Underground for example has a service which only runs 30 minute which is a Metropolitan Line to Chesham. Plus Palembang LRT is listed as a Metro System on the page. Mhaot (talk) 07:10, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

Exactly, it might be inconsistent if they are excluded because not all criterias are met even though most are Metrosfan (talk) 10:49, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

The Oslo Metro also meets less criteria than the Lagos Metro Blue Line, as it has level crossings, which the Lagos Metro Blue Line don't, yet it's still on the list, so I am with @Mhaot Metrosfan (talk) 11:13, 5 April 2024 (UTC)

True Metro origin consensus works when the level of service is near to be reached, or that there actual concrete plans to reach it. However as for now, I doubt the passenger capacity is more than 2000 people per hour per direction (Assuming a train set can accommodate 1000 people, which isn't near from the reality). There no sense to list it for now, it's just misleading and untrue. Having some viaduct built on some concrete pillars and having trains seldom running on it is not enough, even if the intent to build a metro was there. Unless we have some reliable sources that the level of service will improve (such as an intent to buy more train sets), it doesn't belong here. Capt'n London (talk) 21:58, 7 April 2024 (UTC)

1) True Metro Technology and Infrastructure would almost guarantee to be a metro even if services may be short the criteria. Nobody removes London Underground Metropolitan Line for this matter even though they have Chesham and Amersham running at 30 Minute frequencies (Not to even mention a few others run at 20 minutes) but True Metro Technology and Infrastructure outweighs this.

2) An unfortunate event should not be a downgrade as any system as it was always planned as a metro

3) There is sources that say they will buy more rolling stock in the future

https://governor.lagosstate.gov.ng/2024/03/01/lagos-inaugurates-second-intra-city-rail-line-set-to-move-250000-passengers-daily/ Mhaot (talk) 12:08, 8 April 2024 (UTC)

Exactly! the only reason why the Mecca Metro Line 1 isn't included was because it only operate 7 days a year and would be more likely referred as "people's mover" or "shuttle train" Metrosfan (talk) 12:26, 8 April 2024 (UTC)

1) Wikipedia is not about ''almost guarantee'', it's about facts and sources, which we don't have.

2) Well, currently it's not a metro, and we have no concrete date when this would happen. Unfortunate events can downgrade as system if it's not operating as it should. As I said, infrastructures are meaningless without the adequate service.

3) This source isn't reliable, there is no official tender, contracts or any concrete proof that rolling stock will be acquired in the future, just a mention that the ridership will increase once when they have the full complement of rolling stock on the line. (And they are talking about the Red line, which is operated with diesel train set...)

Regarding Mecca ''metro'', I don't get why this is brought here, those systems have nothing in common. Capt'n London (talk) 14:54, 8 April 2024 (UTC)

Do we have a reliable source stating that it runs every 30 minutes?

The red line is a heavy commuter rail route, not a metro. Rckania (talk) 00:45, 9 April 2024 (UTC)

"Metro" as a concept

"Metro" is historically the name of the Paris underground system, an abbreviation of "métropolitain". But many major underground rail systems are called differently: subway, tube, U-Bahn. Actually Berlin has a network of "metro" trams and buses that run above ground and are separate from the U-Bahn, the system called "metro" here. I would suggest to avoid the word "metro" and change to the more neutral "underground", with the additional benefit that it allows translation. 67.87.88.26 (talk) 12:30, 10 April 2024 (UTC)

In North America and parts of Asia, the term "Rapid Transit" is used as the general term for all of these systems. It is even the title of Wikipedia's own page for these systems. However, It is not used outside of those areas. Metro is the most common name to describe these systems all over the world. If you use the word metro, everyone will know what you mean. Rckania (talk) 18:12, 10 April 2024 (UTC)

Yes, metro is the main word that is being referred to these systems, mostly only in north america or UK where they will refer it as Subway, while only in SouthEast Asia and possibly Bangladesh and Taiwan aswell will refer them as "Mass Rapid Transit", Many Europeans or Americans won't understand the term Mass Rapid Transit, "Underground" is mainly only used for the Tube in London Metrosfan (talk) 03:34, 11 April 2024 (UTC)

Former metros?

Should the Liverpool Overhead Railway or – if they existed – other systems which met the standards now associated with the term and now either no longer do or no longer exist be listed here? And if so, how many entries would such a list have? 2001:A62:142C:9802:C15C:FFA8:C202:7093 (talk) 03:30, 13 April 2024 (UTC)

If the former Liverpool system was fully independent, then I think it deserves a place on this list. However, I think the list would be rather short. KatVanHuis (talk) 19:25, 17 April 2024 (UTC)