The Brookhaven Subway is a rapid transit system owned by Brookhaven and leased to the Brookhaven Transit Authority. It opened on November 6, 1965. Currently, the subway network has one line and 4 stations. It is technically a funicular, although called a subway, The subway is partially automated, with a driver opening and closing the doors, and signaling the train to start. The system operates on a cable permanently attached to the ends of each car, the descending car pulls the ascending car up. A diesel motor at the top drives the cable and is used to jumpstart the motion of the descending car.
History
Between 1889 and 1935, a funicular railroad operated on the hill known as Blackhawk Hill. It took approximately 2.5 minutes to make the 521 foot climb uphill. In 1935, the system was shut down due to low ridership. Eventually, the town of Brookhaven in 1943 published a plan and a feasibility study to attempt to build a rapid transit system, funicular, or light rail. The town's population at the time (15,209) was too small to construct an actual subway. However, the rugged terrain of Blackhawk Hill also posed a issue for running a light rail up. Also, the place where the old funicular was became partially developed. Only the lower station remained. Eventually, the plan was deferred to construct the Cross-Brookhaven Expressway. In 1959, while on a trip in Ro-Istanbul, Wolfpag, the then-mayor of Brookhaven got the idea to build it underground. Eventually, it was approved and in 1965, the subway first opened. The system consists of a single tunnel, which splits out into a two track, two tunnel section for the Downtown and Lake Madison Stations. The Blackhawk and Crown Pointe stations are both side platforms and single tracked. Originally, the company Teknikk Elevators was chosen, who had produced several funiculars and inclined elevators. In 1987, Train No. 2 would not start. A technician from Teknikk Elevators and reported that the train was no longer serviceable. A replacement was chosen- TesGroup-Bloxinghouse provided four new rolling stock.
Stations
| Code | Name | Interchanges |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Pointe | Brookhaven Bus | |
| Downtown | Brookhaven Bus | |
| Blackhawk | Brookhaven Bus | |
| Lake Madison |
Crown Pointe
Crown Pointe Station is color coded as a purple color and uses a crown as its symbol. The station is used by residents of Crown Pointe Neighborhood, and consists of a single side platform. South of the station is a split where it turns into a double track system for the rest of the line southbound.
Downtown
Downtown is color coded as a blue color and is associated with a city skyline. The station is one of the most used stations on the system, servicing the downtown area such as the Brooks Diner, Motel, Bank, Apartments, City Hall, Mall and Airport. It is a double track island platform.
Blackhawk
Blackhawk Station is color coded as an orangish color and is appropriately associated with a hawk. The station is used by students of Brookhaven School and residents of Blackhawk Neighborhood. It is the northern terminus of the subway, and consists of a single side platform. North of the station is the maintenance facility where the trains are stored, fixed, and a small dispatch center.
Lake Madison
Lake Madison is color coded as a green color and is associated with a lake surrounded by a forest. The station is one of the least used stations on the system, servicing the lake, horse stables and outskirts of Brookhaven. It is a double track island platform.
Rolling Stock/Operation
The line has two trains, manufactured by TesGroup-Bloxinghouse in 1987. Originally, it operated 2 Teknikk Trains, which were replaced in 1987. The system operates from 5:30 AM-12:00 AM.
Gallery
