The United Kingdom has one of the world’s oldest and most extensive transportation networks. The national railway system is the world’s oldest, and the London Underground has the distinction of being the world’s first subway. In addition, the red, “Routemaster” doubledecker buses that used to ply London’s streets remain national icons, even after their retirement. At times, it almost seems that no matter the mode, each train or bus is deeply rooted in history in some way. Despite this deep rooting in transportation history, the United Kingdom has a modern, effective transportation network, with 20% more train services than France, 60% more than Italy, and more than Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Portugal and Norway combined. London, Glasgow, and Newcastle each have subway systems.
