<P> The Underground has its origins in the Metropolitan Railway , the world 's first underground railway . Opened in 1863 , it is now part of the Circle , Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines ; the first line to operate underground electric traction trains , the City & South London Railway in 1890 , is now part of the Northern line . The network has expanded to 11 lines , and in 2016 -- 17 carried 1.379 billion passengers , making it the world 's 11th busiest metro system . The 11 lines collectively handle approximately 4.8 million passengers a day . </P>
<P> The Underground has its origins in the Metropolitan Railway , the world 's first underground railway . Opened in 1863 , it is now part of the Circle , Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines ; the first line to operate underground electric traction trains , the City & South London Railway in 1890 , is now part of the Northern line . The network has expanded to 11 lines , and in 2016 -- 17 carried 1.379 billion passengers , making it the world 's 11th busiest metro system . The 11 lines collectively handle approximately 4.8 million passengers a day . </P>
what was the first underground line in london
what was the first underground line in london
City & South London Railway
City & South London Railway