The birthday of the London Underground is observed in the United Kingdom every January 10, commemorating the opening of the Metropolitan Railway in 1863, which was the world's first underground railway. This significant event marked the beginning of rapid transit systems, which have since become common in urban areas globally. The idea for an underground railway linking the City of London with railway stations emerged in the 1830s, and after receiving permission in 1854, construction began in 1860. The railway officially opened with wooden carriages pulled by steam locomotives. Over the years, the network expanded, leading to the establishment of the London Passenger Transport Board in 1933, which integrated various transport services. Today, the London Underground, also known as the Tube, consists of eleven lines and 272 stations, serving Greater London and parts of neighboring counties.