Transport for LondonMemories of Metro-land
It was the name given to those parts of Middlesex, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire that were opened up by the Metropolitan Railway, after its track was extended beyond the capital's borders into what had previously been purely agricultural areas.
The name Metro-land was created in 1915 by the Metropolitan Railway's publicity department, who set up a company to develop housing and shops along the line.
Londoners who wanted a home of their own somewhere in the country and the chance to live within their salaries were invited to live in Metro-land.
From then on, Metro-land was the key word in advertising slogans drawn up to entice workers 'from cramped homes in central London into a rural paradise', where homes could be bought for just £800.
Most of Metro-land was developed between the two World Wars and its 'new havens' were said to have created a distinctive atmosphere.
However, there were detractors.
Among them were those who said it was wrong for the countryside to be turned into suburbia.
And it's true that no developer would be allowed such free rein today.
Indeed, the spread of Metro-land helped instigate the Green Belt.
However, following development in the 1960s of high-density tower blocks, 'suburbia' was re-assessed and gained many new supporters, who spoke in favour of its spacious, leafy pleasures.
It also became better understood that London's dramatic growth was dependent on the emergence of a modern public transport network, as is the case today.
Improvements to the Metropolitan line
Metropolitan line passengers have much to look forward to.
Not only will they benefit from the comfort of the Underground's first air-conditioned trains, there are other improvements afoot too.
From 2011, the 58 new air-conditioned trains will have been introduced and will feature: walk-through carriages; wheelchair areas; wider doors and walkways;lower floors for level access between train and platform; better audio and visual information systems and CCTV.
A new signalling system will be introduced by 2016, which will mean capacity on the line will increase by 49 per cent.
