Stockholm metro

Stockholm metro
Name	Stockholm metro
Native name	Stockholms tunnelbana
Locale	Stockholm County, Sweden
Transit type	Rapid transit
Began operation	1 October 1950
Lines	7 (grouped into 3 colors)
Stations	100
Ridership	1.2 million (weekday, 2019)
Operator	MTR Corporation (under contract to SL)
System length	108 km
Track gauge	1435mm

Stockholm metro. The primary public transport system in the Swedish capital, it is renowned for its extensive integration of art and architecture across its network, often described as "the world's longest art gallery." Operated by MTR Corporation under contract to the regional public transport authority SL, the system serves Stockholm County with 100 stations across 108 kilometers of route. Since its inaugural underground section opened in 1950, it has grown into a vital artery for the city, celebrated for its efficiency and unique aesthetic character.

History

The origins of the system are linked to the decision by Stockholm City Council in 1941 to build underground railways, with the first underground line opening between Slussen and Hökarängen in 1950. Major expansion occurred in the 1960s and 1970s during the Million Programme era of suburban development, extending lines to new residential areas like Vällingby and Farsta. The system was further integrated with the opening of the circular T10/T11 line in 1975, connecting major nodes like T-Centralen and Fridhemsplan. Key figures in its development included architects like Peter Celsing and planners from the Stockholm City Planning Office.

Network and lines

The network consists of seven lines identified by numbers but grouped under three colors on maps: the Red, Green, and Blue lines. The Red Lines (T13, T14) run from the northwest through the city center at T-Centralen to the southeast, serving areas like Mörby centrum and Fruängen. The Green Lines (T17, T18, T19) primarily serve the island of Södermalm and southern suburbs such as Hagsätra and Farsta strand. The Blue Lines (T10, T11) form a radial and circular pattern, connecting the northwest suburbs like Kungsträdgården and Hjulsta with the northeastern areas including Akalla and Mörby centrum.

Stations and art

Many stations are celebrated for their artistic and architectural designs, a program initiated in the 1950s. Notable examples include T-Centralen, with its blue vine motifs by artist Per Olof Ultvedt, and Kungsträdgården, designed to resemble an archaeological site by Ulrik Samuelson. The cavernous stations on the Blue Line, such as Solna centrum with its fiery red cave walls depicting environmental themes, and Rådhuset, featuring exposed bedrock, are particularly famous. This integration of art involved numerous Swedish artists like Siri Derkert at Östermalmstorg and Lena Cronqvist at Tekniska högskolan.

Rolling stock

The fleet has historically been dominated by trains from ASEA and its successor Bombardier Transportation. The current mainstay is the C20 stock, also known as the "SL X1," introduced in the late 1990s. These are being supplemented and replaced by the new C30 trains, built by a consortium including Alstom. Older series, such as the C1 through C15 cars, have been gradually phased out. Maintenance is performed at depots like Högdalen depot and Rissne depot.

Operations and service

Daily operations are managed by MTR Corporation under a contract awarded by the public transit authority SL. The system operates from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with all-night service on weekend nights. It integrates with other transport modes, including the pendeltåg commuter rail, trams, and buses, all using the unified SL ticketing system. Major interchange hubs include T-Centralen, Slussen, and Fridhemsplan.

Future developments

Several extensions are planned or under construction. The most significant is the Citybanan project, which includes a new station at Stockholm City Station. The Blue Line is being extended west from Kungsträdgården to new stations like Gräddö and Nacka, part of the Nacka–Södermalm Line. Further plans involve potential new lines to serve developing areas in Stockholm County, overseen by Region Stockholm and the Swedish Transport Administration.

Category:Rapid transit in Sweden Category:Stockholm County Category:Transport in Stockholm