Shanghai’s transit explosion shows true will to deliver

In the first of a regular new series, international transport consultant and commentator Kenneth Lin considers the incredible pace of metro development in China

Ken Lin has worked for 30 years in transportation planning in both the transit provider and consulting sides. He is currently employed in the New York office of Parsons Brinckerhoff. He has visited 128 countries worldwide.

Ken Lin has worked for 30 years in transportation planning in both the transit provider and consulting sides. He is currently employed in the New York office of Parsons Brinckerhoff. He has visited 128 countries worldwide.

The Shanghai metro network is continuing to expand fast with a raft of new lines part of the plan for its shape in 2020

The Shanghai metro network is continuing to expand fast with a raft of new lines part of the plan for its shape in 2020

The Shanghai metro sets a forward-looking image for the city

The Shanghai metro sets a forward-looking image for the city

Which world city has today’s largest metro? It’s a question that is defined by the word ‘today’. If I’d asked you ten, or even five years ago, the answer would have been very different! But since 2010 the record holder has been the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai.

With 420 kilometers (261 miles) Shanghai has surpassed London and New York to grab the title of the world’s largest metro as measured by route kilometers (or miles). With multiple sections of triple...