London Banter - View Single Post - Mayoral Manifesto from London Travel Watch

Colin Rosenstiel · March 1st 08, 02:07 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Paul Corfield) wrote:

On Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:28:41 +0000, Michael Hoffman
wrote:

Paul Corfield wrote:

I'd like to see a move towards more tram lines and the
reintroduction
of trolleybuses for busy routes or networks that don't justify
conversion to trams.

What do trolleybuses get you?

I guess my reasoning is that trolleybuses represent a form of
"permanence" in terms of the electrical infrastructure being put in
place - similar to a tram. They are also quiet, smooth, fast and
display reasonable environmental credentials. I'm not an obsessive
enthusiast but I do think it is a huge shame that London's system was
shut down when it was. I wish I had a trolleybus level of service [1]
on my local route (formerly the 623 / 625 in Walthamstow).

I'm not entirely convinced by the dash towards hybrids and fuel cells
given that trolleybus technology is mature and well understood. It has
also advanced considerably in recent years meaning that it is a more
flexible mode than it was. I do recognise that there are some issues
over the ability to overtake, the risk of breakdowns, complex junction
work with the wiring plus people may not wish to see lots of "knitting"
above London streets.

Do I assume you don't see a place for trolleys in London?

[1] about every 5 mins - on Christmas Day !

I'm a great fan of trolleybuses but I do slightly wonder what they offer
these days apart from electric traction, even though I share your
scepticism of hybrids and fuel cells.

Modern diesel engines have much better power to weight ratios than in the
heyday of London Trolleybuses. Even the RMLs of the day could carry more
passengers than the trolleybuses they replaced.

And is there any world experience of high capacity modern double-deck
trolleybuses at all?

--
Colin Rosenstiel