Beijing Subway vs. London Underground vs. New York City Subway vs. Dakar BRT (all-electric) – Detailed Comparison

Quick Verdict

The Beijing Subway excels in network size and ridership, while the London Underground offers a well-integrated system with a long history. The Dakar BRT provides a modern, sustainable solution for urban transport in Dakar. More information is needed on the New York City Subway to provide a fair comparison.

Key Specs – Side-by-Side

MetricBeijing SubwayLondon UndergroundNew York City SubwayDakar BRT (all-electric)
Price¥3 for a trip up to 6 km, with ¥1 added for the next 6 km, for every 10 km thereafter until 32 km, and for every 20 km beyond. Capital Airport Express: ¥25. Daxing Airport Express: ¥10 to ¥35 (ordinary), ¥50 (business)£2.80-£2.90 (single ticket in central zones); £8.90-£16.30 (24-hour/one day ticket)Not availableZone-based fares set based on affordability surveys and existing fares
FeaturesSystem Length: 879 km (546 mi), Number of Stations: 523, Daily Ridership: 9.46 million (2023 daily average), 13.75 million (July 12, 2019, record)System Length: 402 km (250 mi), Number of Stations: 272 served (262 owned), Daily Ridership: 3.23 million (Average for 2023/24)Number of Stations: 472 stations (as of April 1, 2025)System Length: 18.3 km, Number of Stations: 23, Daily Ridership: 300,000 passengers
Ratingoverall: Not available, performance: Not availableoverall: Not available, performance: Not availableoverall: Not available, performance: Not availableoverall: Not available, performance: Not available

Overall Comparison

  • Beijing Subway: Extensive network with high ridership.
  • London Underground: Historic system integrated with London's transport network.
  • New York City Subway: Limited data available for comprehensive summary.
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Sustainable all-electric bus rapid transit system.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Beijing Subway: Extensive network covering urban and suburban areas
  • Beijing Subway: Generally faster than surface transport
  • Beijing Subway: Modern facilities
  • Beijing Subway: Efficient and punctual
  • London Underground: Extensive network covering Greater London and surrounding areas
  • London Underground: Frequent service with trains running from 5 am to midnight (with Night Tube on some lines)
  • London Underground: Integrated with other transport modes in London
  • London Underground: Oyster card and contactless payment options for convenient fare payment
  • London Underground: Lower carbon footprint compared to cars and buses
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Reduces travel time from 95 to 45 minutes
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Reduces CO2 emissions by 59,000 tonnes annually
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Provides a sustainable and inclusive mobility solution
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Improves accessibility for persons with disabilities
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Creates 1,000 direct jobs, with 35-45% allocated to women
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Reduces traffic congestion
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Improves air quality
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Connects outlying areas to the city center
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Safer travel with dedicated platform stations

Disadvantages

  • Beijing Subway: Can be overcrowded, especially during rush hour
  • Beijing Subway: Inadequate provision for commercial activity within stations
  • London Underground: Only 45% of the system is underground
  • London Underground: Limited coverage in the southern parts of Greater London
  • London Underground: Can be crowded, especially during peak hours
  • London Underground: Fares can be expensive compared to other cities
  • London Underground: Potential for delays and disruptions
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Potential infrastructure damage due to political unrest
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Initial concerns about the impact on communities and the paratransit sector

User Experiences and Feedback

Overall User Sentiment

The Beijing Subway excels in network size and ridership, while the London Underground offers a well-integrated system with a long history. The Dakar BRT provides a modern, sustainable solution for urban transport in Dakar. More information is needed on the New York City Subway to provide a fair comparison.

What Users Love

  • Beijing Subway: Easy to use
  • Beijing Subway: Affordable
  • Beijing Subway: Efficient public transportation system
  • London Underground: Provides access to various parts of the city
  • London Underground: Late-night bus service (Blue Night Network)
  • London Underground: Easy to use Presto card
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Provides access to various parts of the city
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Reduces travel time
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Offers a fast, comfortable, and safe alternative to existing transport

Common Complaints

  • Beijing Subway: Crowded during peak hours
  • Beijing Subway: Some users find it difficult to get a seat at almost any time of day
  • London Underground: Unreliability
  • London Underground: Outdated infrastructure
  • London Underground: Overcrowding and delays
  • London Underground: Trains can be slow
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Some users express concerns about safety
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Potential for infrastructure damage

Value Perception

  • Beijing Subway: Provides access to various parts of the city
  • London Underground: Oyster/contactless payments are the cheapest ways of paying single fares.
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Considered a key project of Senegal's energy transition roadmap
  • Dakar BRT (all-electric): Seen as a model for other African cities

User Recommendations