Introduction
Subway systems represent the backbone of urban transportation, facilitating the movement of millions of people daily. However, not all subway projects reach completion or remain in operation. Around the world, abandoned subway systems lie beneath bustling cities, relics of ambitious projects, economic failures, or shifting urban priorities. This article explores some of the most fascinating abandoned subway systems, their histories, and what led to their demise.
The Cincinnati Subway (USA)
One of the most famous abandoned subway systems in the world, the Cincinnati Subway, remains a ghostly reminder of an ambitious transportation plan that never materialized.
History:
- Construction began in the 1920s as a solution to the city’s growing transportation needs.
- The subway was intended to replace the outdated and congested streetcar system.
- The project consisted of a 16-mile loop with underground and elevated tracks.
Why It Was Abandoned:
- The Great Depression drained funds needed to complete the project.
- Political shifts and rising automobile use diminished the perceived necessity of a subway.
- Only 2 miles of tunnel were completed before the project was permanently halted.
Today, portions of the abandoned subway system remain intact, with occasional public tours showcasing the eerie, unused tunnels beneath Cincinnati.
The London Mail Rail (UK)
Unlike traditional passenger subways, London’s Mail Rail was an underground train system designed exclusively for postal deliveries.
History:
- Opened in 1927, it operated beneath central London for nearly 80 years.
- The system connected major postal sorting offices, using automated electric trains to transport mail.
Why It Was Abandoned:
- Advances in transportation and declining use of traditional mail made the system obsolete.
- Rising maintenance costs led to its closure in 2003.
Today, portions of the Mail Rail have been preserved as a museum, allowing visitors to ride the historic underground trains.
The Paris Métro Ghost Stations (France)
Paris boasts one of the world’s most extensive subway systems, but hidden beneath its streets are several unused or “ghost” stations.
Notable Abandoned Stations:
- Haxo Station: Never opened to the public, it was built in 1921 but lacked connecting lines.
- Saint-Martin Station: Closed in 1939 at the start of World War II and never reopened.
- Porte Molitor Station: Built to serve a stadium, it was never put into full operation.
Many of these stations still exist in their original state, occasionally used for film shoots, storage, or even repurposed as emergency shelters.
The New York City Abandoned Stations (USA)
New York City’s subway system has several abandoned stations, each with a unique story.
Notable Abandoned Stations:
- City Hall Station: A beautifully designed station featuring vaulted ceilings and skylights, it closed in 1945 due to low usage and the need for longer platforms.
- Worth Street Station: Closed in 1962 as part of a service realignment, it still exists today, visible from passing trains.
- 91st Street Station: A once-operational station on the IRT line, it closed in 1959 due to proximity to other stops.
While no longer used for passengers, some of these stations are occasionally accessible for special tours or transit operations.
The Toronto Lower Queen Station (Canada)
Toronto planned an underground streetcar subway in the 1940s, but only part of the project was built before it was abandoned.
History:
- The Lower Queen Station was part of a proposed subway-streetcar system.
- The station was partially constructed beneath Queen Street but was never put into service.
Why It Was Abandoned:
- Funding issues led to the project’s cancellation in favor of a more conventional subway system.
- Toronto’s transit plans shifted toward a different model of subway expansion.
Today, Lower Queen Station remains unused and hidden beneath the city’s streets, a forgotten piece of Toronto’s transit history.
The Moscow Metro 2 (Russia) – A Secret Subway?
A rumored but unconfirmed underground subway, Moscow Metro 2 is said to have been built for government and military use.
What Is Known:
- Allegedly constructed during the Cold War to provide secure transportation for Soviet officials.
- Believed to run parallel to the existing Moscow Metro, connecting key government locations.
- Officially, Russian authorities deny its existence, but urban explorers claim to have found evidence of secret tunnels.
Whether real or merely a myth, Metro 2 remains one of the most intriguing urban legends surrounding abandoned subway networks.
Conclusion
Abandoned subway systems are more than just forgotten tunnels—they reflect changing urban priorities, financial struggles, and the evolution of transportation technology. While some have been repurposed or preserved as historic sites, others remain hidden beneath our cities, waiting to be rediscovered. As urban centers continue to grow, perhaps one day these lost transit projects will be revived, breathing new life into their forgotten tracks.
