What is the longest metro line in the US?

Dethroning the King: The Longest Metro Line in the US Isn’t What You Think

When discussing the “longest” subway system in the United States, the immediate response is often the New York City Subway. And rightfully so. With its sprawling 665 miles of track, its sheer scale is undeniable. It’s a labyrinthine network, a marvel of engineering, and the very heartbeat of the city that never sleeps. But the question of “longest” is nuanced. The NYC Subway’s length encompasses its entire network, a sprawling collection of interconnected lines. If we shift the focus from total track length to the length of a single continuous line, a different champion emerges.

While the precise measurement can vary slightly depending on the methodology and data source, the title of the longest single-line metro route in the United States most often goes to the A Line of the New York City Subway. This line, traversing from far uptown Manhattan through Downtown and into Brooklyn and Queens, boasts an impressive length, significantly longer than any other single line operating in the country.

It’s crucial to differentiate. The NYC Subway’s overall length of 665 miles is a testament to its comprehensive reach, connecting disparate boroughs and neighborhoods. However, this figure encompasses multiple interconnected lines, branches, and spurs. The A Line, on the other hand, represents a singular, continuous route, making a direct comparison to the total length of the entire NYC Subway system misleading when discussing the longest individual line.

Determining the exact mileage of the A Line requires navigating the complexities of track curves and switchbacks. However, various reliable sources consistently place it significantly ahead of other competing single lines across the country. Systems like the Washington Metro, Chicago ‘L’, or the BART system in San Francisco, while extensive in their own right, lack a single line capable of matching the A Line’s considerable length.

Therefore, while the New York City Subway remains the undisputed king of total track mileage, the title of “longest single metro line in the US” belongs to the impressive A Line, a testament to the sheer scale and complexity even within one of the world’s largest and most intricate subway systems. The next time you’re discussing the longest subway line in the US, remember to clarify whether you’re talking about the entire network or a single, continuous route. The answer, quite literally, changes the route.

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