Ye Olde Guide
Ye Olde Guide is a podcast about the history and heritage of the towns and cities of England. Perhaps you’re visiting one of England's wonderful cities and want to arrive primed to explore the remnants of its past. Or maybe you’re seeking a new appreciation of the town you live in. Either way, this podcast is for you. Think of us as part guide book, part companion, part battle of towns. Visit our website yeoldeguide.com for extensive show notes, maps and discussion. We hope you enjoy the podcast. Please send us your feedback to comments@yeoldeguide.com
Ye Olde Guide
Britain Invented the Metro - So Why Did It Stop?
The UK was the birthplace of the underground railway, with London’s Tube setting the global standard. So why do so few British cities have metro systems today?
In this episode of Ye Olde Guide, Liam McGrath and Daniel Gooch take a break from city guides to explore the curious case of Britain’s missing metros. From the legacy of Victorian railways and trams to post-war car-centric planning, we unpack the historical, urban, and political reasons why cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester never got the metro systems their European counterparts enjoy.
The Elizabeth Line was a rare recent bright spot in UK metro growth - but this added another line in London, with Leeds still relying on infrequent suburban rail and buses.
We also look at the cost crisis facing modern transit projects, the economic consequences of limited urban rail, and what the future might hold for public transport in the UK.
Featuring listener feedback, historical insights, and a dash of urbanist frustration—this is one for train lovers, city nerds, and anyone wondering why Britain stopped building underground rail.
