Trolleybuses in Dunedin

Trolleybuses in Dunedin
Preserved New Zealand Motor Bodies BUT RETB/1 trolleybus in November 2016
Operation
LocaleDunedin, New Zealand
Open24 February 1950
Close31 March 1982
Routes14
Operator(s)Dunedin City Transport Department

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

History

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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 in March 1982.

Vehicles

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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 BUT RETB/1 New Zealand Motor Bodies
56-79 24 BUT RETB/1 Transport Department

References

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  1. ^ McNicol, Steve (1989). New Zealand Trolleybus Selections. Elizabeth, South Australia: Railmac Publications. pp. 7–10. ISBN 0-949817-68-6.
  2. ^ McCrystal, John (2007). On the Buses in New Zealand. Oriental Bay: Grantham House Publishing. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-86934-101-5.
  3. ^ Dunedin No 5 Tramway Historical Society
  4. ^ Dunedin No 79 Tramway Historical Society