The Fascinating Remains Of Rochester's 'Subway'

Not much of Rochester, New York's rapid transit system remains. The network of rail cars launched in 1927 and served its last passenger on June 30, 1956. Like so many cities at the time, Rochester's ambitions quickly shifted to the suburbs. The city invested in new highways and sprawl; the 8.5 mile, 24-station system suffered as a result.

Referred to by most locals as a subway, the transit system only went underground for 1.5 miles as it passed through the heart of downtown and an aqueduct over the Genesee River. A majority of the service was below street level, but uncovered.