The key features of China’s new metro systems

Being the most recent to be built, the new metros in China benefit from the convergence of the latest in technology and customer amenities that have evolved over the decades in other world cities. There appear to be several common aspects to the new metros in China.

Shanghai metro line 2 train at Peoples Square station

Shanghai metro line 2 train at Peoples Square station

Paris-style dedicated lines. Almost all metro lines operate with just one route or line per tunnel, instead of multiple routes per tunnel as in New York City, or on the Metropolitan or Circle Line in London. This simplifies train operations and eliminates junction delays as different routes merge onto the same tracks. The disadvantage with this model is that customers must transfer between different lines—sometimes circuitously—instead of enjoying a one seat ride.

No express...