{"id":4413,"date":"2022-09-15T14:23:49","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T21:23:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/?p=4413"},"modified":"2024-12-11T12:10:28","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T20:10:28","slug":"history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system","title":{"rendered":"History of Vancouver\u2019s Trolleybus System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Many people know that Vancouver&#8217;s trolleybus network is part of the TransLink system, reports <a href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\"><em>vancouver-future<\/em><\/a>. This system manages public transit, including the Vancouver SkyTrain, in one of Canada\u2019s provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vancouver\u2019s trolleybus system began its operations in 1948 with 13 routes. It has since been managed by Coast Mountain Bus Company, a subsidiary of TransLink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, using sources such as <em>coastmountainbus<\/em>, <em>translink<\/em>, and <em>old.trolleymotion<\/em>, we delve into the detailed history of Vancouver&#8217;s trolleybuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0f9f45d739d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0f9f45d739d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system\/#Beginnings\" title=\"Beginnings\">Beginnings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system\/#Acquiring_Vehicles\" title=\"Acquiring Vehicles\">Acquiring Vehicles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system\/#Subsequent_Purchases\" title=\"Subsequent Purchases\">Subsequent Purchases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system\/#A_Significant_Event\" title=\"A Significant Event\">A Significant Event<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system\/#Modernization_with_New_Models\" title=\"Modernization with New Models\">Modernization with New Models<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/eternal-4413-history-of-vancouvers-trolleybus-system\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beginnings\"><\/span>Beginnings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first Vancouver trolleybus routes began regular operations on August 16, 1948. These routes primarily replaced tram lines, with the exception of the Cambie route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, other tram and motor bus routes were converted to trolleybus lines. By 1953, the system had grown to include 16 routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1955, three new trolleybus lines were added, replacing the Hastings streetcar line with a two-branch trolleybus route. This marked the system&#8217;s maximum network coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acquiring_Vehicles\"><\/span>Acquiring Vehicles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of Vancouver\u2019s trolleybuses were acquired between 1947 and 1948, with larger models added from 1949 to 1954. The vehicles were supplied by the renowned Brill company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By January 1954, when the last new trolleybus was delivered, Vancouver boasted the largest trolleybus fleet in Canada, with 327 vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, the city acquired Pullman-Standard trolleybuses, though they were second-hand. They began service in 1957, but drivers found them uncomfortable to operate. Consequently, they were withdrawn in 1960 and officially retired in 1961.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subsequent_Purchases\"><\/span>Subsequent Purchases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the mid-1970s, Vancouver purchased 50 new Flyer Model E800 trolleybuses. While they featured new designs, their power systems reused components from older Brill models. These vehicles were introduced between 1975 and 1976, but their use of repurposed electrical equipment led to a shortened service life. They were retired by 1985.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the 1980s, Vancouver acquired Flyer E901A\/E902 trolleybuses, which entered service in 1982. These gradually replaced the aging Brill fleet. Once the Brill vehicles were retired, the Flyer E901A\/E902 models made up almost the entire trolleybus fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"571\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vancouver-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/12\/image-46.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vancouver-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/12\/image-46.png 800w, https:\/\/cdn.vancouver-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/12\/image-46-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.vancouver-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/12\/image-46-768x548.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.vancouver-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/12\/image-46-696x497.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Significant_Event\"><\/span>A Significant Event<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1986, the construction and opening of the SkyTrain rapid transit system led to some adjustments in trolleybus routes. Certain lines were extended, while others were shortened, reflecting changes in passenger demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modernization_with_New_Models\"><\/span>Modernization with New Models<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Between 2005 and 2009, further modernization took place. New Flyer Industries was awarded the contract to supply Vancouver with new low-floor trolleybuses equipped with state-of-the-art electrical systems from German manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By late 2008, the older Flyer E901A\/E902 buses were sold to Mendoza, Argentina\u2019s trolleybus network. Meanwhile, Vancouver\u2019s new low-floor vehicles, delivered under the contract, transformed the system, offering improved accessibility and operational efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vancouver\u2019s trolleybus system is a cornerstone of the city\u2019s public transit infrastructure, with a rich history of adaptation and growth. From its initial routes in 1948 to the adoption of advanced technologies in recent years, the system continues to evolve, serving as a vital mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people know that Vancouver&#8217;s trolleybus network is part of the TransLink system, reports vancouver-future. This system manages public transit, including the Vancouver SkyTrain, in one of Canada\u2019s provinces. Vancouver\u2019s trolleybus system began its operations in 1948 with 13 routes. It has since been managed by Coast Mountain Bus Company, a subsidiary of TransLink. In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":485,"featured_media":2728,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1113],"tags":[3330,3398,3395,3400,3394,3396,3399,3334,3401,3397],"motype":[1121],"moformat":[18],"moimportance":[29,30,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-4413","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-innovations","8":"tag-innovation","9":"tag-trolleybus","10":"tag-trolleybus-in-vancouver","11":"tag-trolleybus-line","12":"tag-trolleybus-transportation","13":"tag-trolleybus-vancouver","14":"tag-urban-transportation","15":"tag-vancouver-innovation","16":"tag-vancouver-transportation","17":"tag-vancouver-trolleybus","18":"motype-eternal","19":"moformat-vlasna","20":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","21":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","22":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/485"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4413"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4417,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4413\/revisions\/4417"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4413"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=4413"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=4413"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vancouver-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=4413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}