The Clockwork Orange (Glasgow Subway)

The Glasgow Subway is the world's third-oldest underground railway (after London and Budapest), opened in 1896, and still running a simplified circular route around the city centre and West End. The system's orange rolling stock, circular route, and vintage feel give it an endearing character that Glasgow's residents regard with equal parts affection and exasperation.

A day ticket allows unlimited travel and is the easiest way to move between the city centre, the West End (Kelvingrove, the university, Byres Road), and the South Side (where the Burrell Collection and Celtic/Rangers grounds are). The stations are small and slightly cramped; the trains are frequent and punctual. Riding the full circle is a pleasant 24-minute experience, particularly for the glimpse of urban Glasgow moving past the windows.

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A story
The Glasgow Subway opened in 1896 as a cable-hauled railway — cars were pulled by an endless underground cable rather than powered by their own motors. It was converted to electric operation in 1935. The circular line has 15 stations and makes a continuous loop in one direction (there is no branch line, no interchange, no reversal); a round trip takes about 24 minutes and costs the standard fare. It carries around 13 million passengers a year on trains that the city calls Clockwork Orange for their colour.