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The electric trolleybus became popular in the 1940's and 50's
as many transit systems converted from streetcars to
trolleybuses. Many of these systems then abandoned their
trolleybus networks and converted to diesel bus operations in the
following three decades. Vancouver has been fortunate enough to
have retained its electric trolleybus network despite this trend.
In fact, representatives from several American transit systems
have recently visited our city to view trolleybuses in service.
Today, 244 trolleys carry almost half of all bus passengers
(257,900 out of 561,000 daily riders) in the Vancouver Regional
Transit System.
The trolleybus has many advantages over buses using diesel or
alternative fuels such as natural gas, especially when effects on
the environment are considered. Modern trolleys are very energy
efficient and draw current from central power sources. The
abundance of hydroelectric power in B.C. means atmospheric
pollution attributable to trolleys is negligible. In areas where
other power sources are used, economies of scale in efficiency
and pollution control of electric generating stations mean
trolleys are still significantly cleaner than natural gas or
methanol powered buses.
Passengers and neighbours alike benefit from trolley
operation. The vehicles are exceptionally quiet and smooth and so
provide an excellent ride with very little noise pollution. This
attracts passengers. In San Francisco, ridership on routes
converted from diesel to trolley operation increased 10 - 18%.
When a couple of routes were operated temporarily with diesels,
ridership dropped 10%! The transit operating agency also benefits
from trolleys since their performance is very good, especially on
hills, with rapid acceleration and low maintenance costs. While
some may consider the overhead wiring required by the trolleybus
to be intrusive, it actually helps to draw riders by giving
transit a permanent presence on the street.
Transport Action B.C. would like to see an enlarged network,
improved service and more vehicles for this environmentally
friendly, high performance mode in the future.
Ian Fisher
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