Re: Brisbane trolleybuses [was BRISBANE LIGHT RAIL / TRAMS

[garry <garry@merddyn.apana.org.au>]

Chris Grace wrote:

> David McLoughlin (davemcl@-DROP-iprolink.co.nz) wrote:
> : Six was a very small order for trolleybuses, even though trolleybuses
> : were (and are) typically ordered in much smaller numbers than diesel
> : buses.
>
> : Just as a historical point, does anyone know why Brisbane's second
> : trolleybus order (of six buses) was so small, and how it came about? I
> :  have never read the explanation for this in any of the extensive
> : literature I have perused.

Chris,

I'm not really sure. The initial order for 30 although finally all used with the
Cav Road and Carina/Seven Hills Lines opened became insufficient when Carina
reached its final extent (Creek Road almost to Creek Road depot). The six were
ordered to meet the needs of the last extensions but then only for off-peak
services. Diesels often had to be put on to supplement the trolleys.

Clem Jones came to power in 1961 and trolley buses quickly became as
unfavourable as trams and so no more were ordered and the existing ones phased
out at weekends eventually and even some night services.

Cheers

Garry