Trolleybus Centenary

June 20 will mark the centenary of the first trolleybus service in Britain. Leeds introduced the new form of transport on their route to Pudsey followed four days latter by Bradford's service to Pudsey. Bradford kept faith with the trolleybus until March 1972 when this form of public transport ceased in here.

Trolleybuses have  proved popular with many towns and cities across the world and some of the newest systems in China  are most impressive.

Trolleybuses being electric vehicles are smooth, quiet, fast, efficient and non-polluting. So 100 years on it is hardly surprising that Leeds want to bring them back onto British Streets. The coalition government have told Leeds that £200 million for two routes it is too expensive and I tend to agree with that view. Leeds want to introduce a German system supplied to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. We cant afford such luxury. As buses are made in Britain surely using standard British buses but replacing the diesel engine with an electric propulsion unit would be a cheaper option .

The government will announce its decision on Leeds proposal in May 2012 So meanwhile lets wallow in some nostalgia.