Ghost stations: abandoned subways around the world
Stopped in their tracks
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Saint-Martin, Paris, France
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Croix-Rouge, Paris, France
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The first terminus for Paris’ Métro line 10, Croix-Rouge was only open between 1923 and 1939. It never reopened after the Second World War and has since fallen into disrepair. Interestingly, all 12 Paris Métro stations that closed before the war have either been abandoned, turning into stations fantômes (ghost stations), or repurposed.
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Porte des Lilas, Paris, France
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Porte des Lilas, Paris, France
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Part of the station still remains operational and the disused platforms have appeared in films like Amélie and Julie & Julia. During shoots, producers are free to change all of the décor and even the name of the station. But it doesn't come cheap – 10 hours of filming costs around €15,000 (£13,147/$17,000).
Aldwych, London, UK
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Aldwych, London, UK
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Aldwych, London, UK
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The station is a popular filming location, appearing in movies like V for Vendetta, 28 Weeks Later and Darkest Hour. The London Transport Museum runs virtual tours of the station via Zoom, which can be booked online.
Disused tunnels at Euston, London, UK
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Disused tunnels at Euston, London, UK
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When the mainline station was rebuilt in the 1960s, along with the then-new Victoria line, the old connecting passageways, some of the tunnels and ticket hall became redundant. The London Transport Museum typically runs regular tours and they're due to resume in 2022.
Down Street, London, UK
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Down Street, London, UK
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Down Street, London, UK
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Part of Down Street's red terracotta tile façade is still visible from street level. In 2015, Transport for London invited submissions for new uses for the space, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
Mail Rail, London, UK
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Unknown to most commuters using the London Underground system, there’s a line running between Paddington Station and Whitechapel, but it’s not meant for people. The Post Office Railway, also known as Mail Rail, helped mail travel between the two sorting offices from 1927 to 2003. A museum opened in 2017, allowing visitors to ride the Mail Rail carriages through the narrow tunnels.
Cincinnati subway, USA
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Old Los Angeles subway system, USA
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Did you know that the current Los Angeles subway system isn’t the first one the city has ever had? The original Subway Terminal Building, now known as Metro 417, was the Red Car subway terminal and served more than 65,000 commuters during the 1940s.
Now check out these charming vintage photographs of underground travel
Old Los Angeles subway system, USA
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Antwerp Premetro, Belgium
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Worth Street Station, New York City, USA
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Court Street Station, New York City, USA
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Court Street Station, New York City, USA
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In 1976, the Transit Authority set up a temporary exhibition called the New York City Transit Exhibit, moving old subway cars and other artefacts into the station. But the exhibition was such a hit that it became permanent, and today has become the New York Transit Museum.
Court Street Station, New York City, USA
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Chambers Street, New York City, USA
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Chambers Street, New York City, USA
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Waldorf Astoria, New York City, USA
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Waldorf Astoria, New York City, USA
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Lower Bay, Toronto, Canada
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Lower Bay, Toronto, Canada
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Rumsey Station, Hong Kong
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City Hall, New York City, USA
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City Hall, New York City, USA
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The station opened in 1904 as part of the IRT Lexington Avenue Line, but was subsequently closed in 1945 due to short platforms. New York Transit Museum typically runs regular tours of the station – check the website for updates.
Canal Street, New York City, USA
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Canal Street, New York City, USA
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Unused tunnels in Kyiv metro system, Ukraine
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Lvivska Brama, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Lvivska Brama, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Estación de Chamberí, Madrid, Spain
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Estación de Chamberí, Madrid, Spain
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It was inspired by the look of the Parisian stations at the time, and a lot of its original features have been preserved, including posters, benches and even turnstiles. In 2008 it reopened as a museum with many period features restored to offer a realistic portrayal of life in the 1920s. The museum offers free guided tours which can be booked online.
Now check out the boneyards where planes, trains and automobiles go to die
Caojiawan Metro Station, Chongqing, China
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Akin to a scene from an apocalyptic movie, Caojiawan Metro Station is eerily haunting. Located close to Chongqing in China, the station was built in 2015 to connect the rural suburb of Caijiagang with the city centre. The station has three exits, but only one of them is in use. The others are slowly being overtaken by Mother Nature. No residential buildings, roads or shops can be found anywhere near the station and the barren surrounding land only adds to the mysterious feels this station gives off.
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