Thread: Subway vs Tube

Any idea why in England they call the metro "Tube" instead of subway? Would "tube" be a more slangish version?

Hi...sorry, I just joined and found this post. Underground would be the British term for subway, while Tube refers specifically to the London Underground system.

thanks for that fact

Yes ScottJ, the London Underground is an underground railway system - also known as a rapid transit system - that serves a large part of Greater London, United Kingdom and some neighbouring areas. It is the world's oldest underground system, and is one of the longest in terms of route length. Services began on 10th January1863 on the Metropolitan Railway; most of the initial route is now part of the Hammersmith & City line.[1] Despite its name, about 55% of the network is above ground. Popular local names include the Underground and, more colloquially, the Tube, in reference to the cylindrical shape of the system's deep-bore tunnels.

Thanks, Guillaume for the explanation!!

I dont think Americans would "ride the tube" but "take the subway" instead.

jejeje

This is just one of the variations between speaking English and speaking American. They also ride a lorrey instead of a bus.