Trolleybuses in Dunedin explained

Trolleybuses in Dunedin
Locale:Dunedin, New Zealand
Open:24 February 1950
Close:31 March 1982
Routes:14
Operator:Dunedin City Transport Department

Trolleybuses in Dunedin were part of the Dunedin public transport system from 1950 until 1982.

History

Trolleybuses commenced operating in Dunedin on 24 December 1950 from Bond Street in the central business district to the Gardens. By 1958 trolleybuses had replaced all of the city's trams operating on 14 routes. It was progressively closed from 1969, with the final route closing in July 1979. However the 1979 oil crisis resulted in part of the network being reopened the next month. It finally closed on March 1982.

Vehicles

The fleet comprised 79 BUT RETB/1s built between 1950 and 1962.[1] [2] One is preserved at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and two by the Tramway Historical Society.[3] [4]

Fleet numbers Quantity Chassis Body
1–55 55 New Zealand Motor Bodies
56-79 24 BUT RETB/1 Transport Department

Notes and References

  1. Book: McNicol, Steve. New Zealand Trolleybus Selections. 1989. Railmac Publications. Elizabeth, South Australia. 0-949817-68-6. 7–10.
  2. Book: McCrystal, John. On the Buses in New Zealand. 2007. Grantham House Publishing. Oriental Bay. 978-1-86934-101-5. 85.
  3. http://www.ferrymeadtramway.org.nz/collections/collection.php?cid=15&id=25 Dunedin No 5
  4. http://www.ferrymeadtramway.org.nz/collections/collection.php?cid=15&id=26 Dunedin No 79