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Why is there a Disney ride at Bush Airport?

Bush Airport is home to a unique piece of Disney history

HOUSTON — You might not think George Bush Intercontinental Airport has a lot in common with the most magical place on Earth, but it is home to some unique Disney history. 

The subway at Bush Airport was actually created by what is now known as Walt Disney Imagineering and is the only people mover built by Disney outside one of their parks.

If you've been to Disney World in Florida you are probably familiar with what is officially called the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The slow-moving ride is now beloved by Disney fans for its nostalgia and short lines. But when it was built, the design was cutting edge and Disney hoped it could be used for transportation outside the parks. 

In the 70s it launched the Community Transportation Service Division with the goal of building mass transit systems for public use. The company ended up with one customer -- Bush Airport.

While the subway at Bush Airport might not look revolutionary, it is actually propelled by linear induction motors. Basically, it uses magnetic pulses to be propelled forward. You can see the squares embedded in the track that help produce this propulsion. 

With fewer moving parts the system should require less maintenance, which could be why the Bush Airport subway is still on the move over 40 years later.

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