Deciphering the resilience evolution of global metro networks

Metro systems serve as the backbone of urban mobility and are pivotal to the resilience of modern metropolises. However, metro networks are continuously evolving infrastructures, yet current resilience assessments predominantly rely on static snapshots, failing to capture how the network resilience evolves during expansion. Therefore, this study introduced an integrated resilience assessment framework characterized as dynamics of dynamics, evaluating the evolutionary trajectory of network resilience in the face of complex disruptions. We constructed temporal complex networks for 12 global cities, integrating serviceability with refined topological modeling. By subjecting these evolving networks to critical node, region, and line disruptions at bi-level intensities, we identified distinct patterns of resilience evolution. The results revealed the evolution of serviceability efficiency and dynamic resilience. Furthermore, the study provided a more nuanced perspective on the relationship between metro network configuration and resilience evolution. While connectivity is generally beneficial, our analysis suggested that it may not always guarantee enhanced robustness in all contexts. The findings underscore the value of looking beyond the static resilience of metro networks, and the proposed framework offers urban planners a prognostic tool to optimize metro network expansion to enhance resilience. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.