First opened in 1984, the system currently has 11 operating lines and 233 stations spanning 326.5 km (202.9 mi).

Tianjin, as an inland harbor of China, has long been a major commercial city.

After the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, the number of vehicles on the roads significantly increased, causing pollution.

To overcome these problems, the transport authority decided to close the old tram network and switch over to a rapid transit system.

The first section, spanning 3.6 km (2.2 mi) of track and 4 stations (Xinhualu, Yingkoudao, Anshandao and Haiguangsi), was completed by February 1976.

[3] The second section, with an additional 1.6 km (0.99 mi) of track and the Xinanjiao and Erweilu stations, was completed by 1980.

After construction resumed, the total length was 7.4 km (4.6 mi), with 8 stations,[3] and service on the line began on 28 December 1984.

To reduce construction costs, the transport authority decided to use an abandoned canal bed to form part of the system, and did not dig deeply.

There were only 1,000 full-time construction workers at that time; the others were volunteers from factories, schools and institutions all over the city.

The average number of volunteer workers exceeded 2,000 a day, which rendered the project unique in the world then.

The atmosphere of the stations was uninviting, difficult to navigate, and with few passenger amenities on the platforms.

In preparation, the system was closed on 1 September 2001, with renovation starting on 21 November of the same year.

Line 9, operated by Binhai Mass Transit Development Co. Ltd, began construction in 2001[3] and its first section opened on 28 March 2004.

On 1 May 2011, the line was further extended westwards by 3 stations, bringing it to its current length of 52.8 km (32.8 mi).

In 2017, the two companies were merged into the Tianjin Rail Transit Group Co. (TRT), unifying operations.

On 7 December 2021, the line was extended one station to Liqizhuangnan,[8] completing the 34.8 km (21.6 mi) long, 28.station first phase.

[12][13] Eastern part of the phase 1 of line 11, from Dongjiangdao to Dongliliujinglu (11 stations, 13.68 km (8.50 mi)) was opened on 28 December 2023.

[5] The 10.12 km (6.29 mi) western part of phase 1 to Shuishanggongyuanxilu, with 10 more stations, opened on 28 December 2024.

It is accepted in subway, light rail, bus, ferry and taxi transport.

City Card holders can enjoy a discounted fare during transfers between modes.

The "Tianjin Metro Phase 2 construction plan", which is approved by the NDRC, consists 513 km of lines total.

[21] A 39.3 km (24.4 mi) long metro line from Tianjin Binhai International Airport to Beitang station.

A 35 km (22 mi) long suburban metro line connecting the northern suburbs of Binhai to the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area and Yujiapu Financial District.