What is a Trolleybus?
Trolleybuses are physically similar to trams and take their power from overhead wires however unlike trams they have rubber tyres and run on the highway like conventional diesel buses, which they share with other road users.
Where would the Leeds trolleybuses go?
The proposed 20km trolleybus network is based upon three routes into and around Leeds.
From Stourton in the south up to Leeds City Centre, then on through Headingley and up to Bodington on the north side of the outer ring road.
An eastern route which will go from Seacroft town centre including St James’s and into and around Leeds City Centre, where it will connect with the north and south routes.
Both the north and south routes take into account local housing and regeneration needs.
There would be Park & Rides at Stourton and Bodington.
What would be the advantages of the planned Leeds scheme?
The vehicles are quiet, produce no local pollution and are generally segregated from other traffic helping to make them more punctual and reliable.
They are more economical to run and can accelerate and decelerate more smoothly than diesel buses providing a more comfortable ride for passengers. Low-floor vehicles are fully accessible.
What’s the time scale for this project?
A full business case will be submitted to the Department for Transport mid 2008. Subject to DfT approval, a Transport and Works Act approval and a successful Inquiry, construction work on the scheme could start in 2011/12.
How much will they cost and who will pay for them?
The Yorkshire and Humber Assembly’s Regional Transport Board has endorsed the first £150m phase of a £300m bus rapid transit scheme from the Regional Funding Allocation.
The Regional Transport Board also endorsed the full scheme with the remainder of the funding coming from the next Regional Funding Allocation post 2015.
The Government would require a 10% local contribution to the scheme and Metro is investigating sources of bringing funding forward for the remaining £120m.
Because it would follow similar routes to the planned Leeds Supertram, a significant amount of the £40m Department for Transport funded preparation and research previously carried out on preparing the tram scheme, can be re-used for the proposed trolleybus system.
Where are modern electric trolleybuses, like the ones Metro would like to introduce in Leeds, operating already?
Have you travelled on trolleybuses abroad?
You can email us to tell us your experiences of travelling on trolleybuses.
You can also email Metro for further information or to ask any questions about trolleybuses.
