Did you know there's a Disney-designed subway under Bush Airport
Did you know there's a Disney-designed subway under Bush Airport
Did you know there's a Disney-designed subway under Bush Airport? It's turning 45 The IAH Subway opened in 1981 and remains the only transportation system Disney designed and built for an outside entity. 
HOUSTON - Millions of travelers have ridden the subway beneath George Bush Intercontinental Airport, but many may not realize they're riding a piece of Disney history. The IAH Subway opened Aug. 17, 1981, and 45 years later, it's still moving passengers between terminals. According to Houston Airports, the subway remains the only transportation system ever designed and built by Disney for a public or private entity. To celebrate the milestone, Houston Airports is holding its first-ever IAH Subway Week from Aug. 17-21, featuring historical displays, airport announcements, commemorative trading cards and digital storytelling. And you don't need a plane ticket to take a ride. Because the subway is located before TSA security, it's accessible to the public for free. How did Disney end up building a subway in Houston? The story dates back to the 1970s, when Disney began exploring ways to use transportation technology developed for its theme parks in the real world. As KHOU 11 previously reported, Disney created its Community Transportation Services Division with hopes of developing mass transit systems for public use. Bush Airport ultimately became its customer. The system was created by what is now known as Walt Disney Imagineering and uses linear induction motors, which rely on magnetic forces to propel the train along the track. The technology has helped keep the unusual people mover running decades after its debut. In a previous interview with KHOU 11, Houston Airports Communications Director Augusto Bernal said the subway remains an important way to connect the airport's terminals and has become particularly popular with Houstonians. "A lot of Houstonians love it," Bernal told KHOU 11 in 2023. The subway has occasionally had to make way for the airport's growth. In 2023, it temporarily closed while its control room was relocated as part of construction tied to improvements at the airport's international terminal. But 45 years after its first trip, the Disney-designed system is still carrying travelers beneath IAH. Houston Airports is now inviting travelers and Houstonians alike to learn more about that history during IAH Subway Week, and even take a free ride on a piece of Disney transportation history without ever leaving Houston. www.khou.com/article /news/local/disney-s ubway-bush-airport-h ouston/285-b32c
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