A film based on a historic attraction in Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s Abandoned Subway is an informative documentary about the unfinished subway underneath Central Parkway. Old footage of the 2.2 miles of tunnel and also plenty of commentary about its construction and history is supplied by credible sources, such as members of the Cincinnati Historic Transit Society and the Cincinnati Museum Center.
The purpose of this film according to director Leland Schuler is “to get people educated about the subway.” Some people thought the subway served nothing more than a creepy and made-up story but the subway actually does exist. “There are no ghosts down there,” said producer Paige Malott. “But it is very dark.”
According to the film, the construction of the subway started in 1919. This happened in a bed of a canal that used to be polluted with feces and other disgusting things. One interesting fact about the canal is its prior usage; for instance, during the summer, people swam in it. Throughout the winter, people ice-skated on top of its frozen water.
The intended sketch of the subway contained a 16-mile loop, stretching from Central Parkway to Walnut Street and the south of Hopple Street. But when money dwindled in 1927, everything but the rails and cars were completed and the loop scaled back to 11 miles.
The reason for the scaled back loop and a halt to construction of the rails and ordered cars can be linked to two primary factors, the Great Depression and World WWII. “It all came down to money,” said Mr. Schuler. “The funds just ran out.”
Even though construction took place from 1919 to 1928 and approximately 9 construction contracts were implemented, the completion of the subway still required $13 million. This is money that Cincinnatians did not want to spend on the completion of this subway.
In 1928, construction ceased and the underground tunnel became an underground eyesore but not too many people seemed to care. This can be concluded because nothing drastic happened over the succeeding years since its failure of completion and the issue is set aside every time it is mentioned, according to the film.
What is interesting now about the issue of a rapid transit system is the streetcar voted on last year. According to a website titled Cincinnati Streetcar, “the $128 million project will build a 3.9 mile line operating with modern streetcar vehicles.” The streetcar will connect the two largest employment areas, downtown and uptown.
“I think its great that people are bringing light rail back into the city,” said Mr. Schuler. While the streetcar project can be considered a start to make Cincinnati more accessible for residents and visitors, the issue of a rapid transit system connecting the city to the suburbs is still talked about today.
During the film, Cincinnati Historic Transit Society member Bill Myers said, “the 90 year old transit system would have reduced congestion, reduced emissions and needed to stimulate the economy.” This system more than likely would have affected the entire region for the better.