阅读理解。
The world's first subway was built in London in 1863. At the time, the government was looking for a way
to reduce traffic problems in the city of London. The poor areas of the city were so crowded with people that
it was almost impossible for horse carriages (the taxis of those days) to get around. The city officials were
interested in trying to make it possible for workers to live outside of London and travel easily to work each day.
If people had a cheap and convenient way that they could depend on to get to and from work, they would move
their homes outside of the city. This would help solve the problem of too many people living in the poor parts
of London. From these problems, the idea of the London Underground, the first subway system, was born.
The plans for building the Underground met with several problems and delays, but the first track was opened
in January 1863. A steam train pulled the cars along the first underground track which was six kilometers (3.7
miles) long. About 30 000 people got on the subway the first day. Riders were treated to comfortable seats
(standing up while the train was moving was not allowed) and pleasant decorations inside each of the cars.
However, the smoke from the engine soon filled the air in the tunnels with ash and soot, as well as chemical
gases. Fans had to be put in the tunnels later to keep the air clean enough for people to breathe. Even with its
problems, riding the Underground did become popular. It carried nine million riders in its first year.
Modem subways have come a long way since the early days of the London Underground. Today there are
94 large underground rapid transit systems around the world. The busiest of these subway systems is the
Tokyo Metro which opened in 1927. This efficient subway has two billion riders per year, and "pushers" work
on the platforms (站台) during busy traffic hours to help push riders onto trains. At times, subway cars have
been packed with up to 300 people! Shopping malls built in high traffic stations where riders move from one
train to another have also helped the popularity of subways in Tokyo. Many stations include underground
department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and specialty shops. Shoppers never have to go above ground!
1. What problems led the British govemment to build the London Underground?
A. Pollution and overcrowding.
B. Traffic jams and pollution.
C. Overcrowding and traffic jams.
D. The subway problems.
2. The last paragraph is mainly about _____.
A. the London Underground today
B. the Tokyo subway
C. subways around the world
D. problems with subways
3. What is probably the best title for this passage?
A. The Subway Nowadays
B. The Popularity of the Subway
C. The First Subway
D. Subway Then and Now

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