The oldest subway operation in the world—the London Underground (the Tube)—marked the 150th anniversary of its operation on Jan. 9.

The stretch of line between Paddington and Farringdon, which was then called the Metropolitan Railway, opened on that date in 1863, with the first passenger journeys following the next day.

Transport for London (TfL) celebrated the anniversary with several special events attended by distinguished international transportation leaders and other officials, including APTA Chief of Staff Petra Mollet. “It was a great honor to represent APTA at this historic occasion,” said Mollet, who represented APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy.

The centerpiece event was a non-stop ride in a fully refurbished coal-fired train from Kensington Olympia Station in west London, an above-ground station, to Moorgate Station, an underground stop in the heart of the city—a trip that retraced some of the first train’s original tracks. According to news reports, hundreds of spectators gathered at Tube stations and bridges to catch a glimpse of the train.

“It really did feel like you were back in another century,” Mollet said. “It was fascinating to watch people looking in at us as we were going by.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson, who was on board, was quoted as saying: “It was just extraordinary. We had steam coming in through the windows, huge thick clouds of white steam going past, and then bits of soot coming through from the engine.” He added: “It was romantic. You understand all those Victorian novels and the assignations that possibly took place on those velvet seats. It was pure Conan Doyle.”

TfL plans ongoing improvements to the Tube system throughout the anniversary year, resulting in the introduction of new trains, increased capacity, more frequent service, and improved accessibility. Special events and activities throughout the year will examine the history of the London Underground and the vital role it continues to play, both in the lives of Londoners and to the economic life of London and the United Kingdom.

Johnson said: “The arrival of the Tube was truly revolutionary, and today it is still admired around the world. It annihilates distance, liquidates traffic, and is the throbbing cardiovascular system of the greatest city on earth. It continues to play a hugely important role in the success of our capital ... Our massive upgrade program builds on the engineering ingenuity of our Victorian forefathers and through new signaling, trains, and track, millions of Londoners and visitors will continue to benefit from what is arguably the best, and most iconic, underground transport system in the world.”

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Photo courtesy of TfL from the Transport Museum Collection One of the original, coal-fired Tube trains in London returned to service to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the introduction of service.

APTA Chief of Staff Petra Mollet at the London Tube celebration.