- Trolleybuses in Leeds
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Leeds trolleybus system Operation Locale Leeds, West Yorkshire, England Twentieth century era: 1911–1928 Status Closed Routes Leeds–Farnley
Guiseley–Otley
Guisely–Burley-in-WharfedaleDepot(s) Guiseley Twenty first century era: NGT Status Proposed Routes 3 Operator(s) New Generation Transport Route length 14 km (8.7 mi) Website New Generation Transport A Leeds trolleybus system served the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England between 1911 and 1928, and a very different new system for Leeds, known as the New Generation Transport - NGT project, is currently proposed.
The original Leeds system was one of the first two trolleybus systems to be opened in the United Kingdom, along with the Bradford system.[1][2] Both systems commenced operations on 20 June 1911.[1][2] However, the public service on the Bradford system did not start until four days later.[1][2] The original Leeds system had only three routes, and was closed as early as 26 July 1928.[3]
If the proposed NGT project goes ahead, it will be the first non-heritage trolleybus system to be operated in the United Kingdom[4] since the Bradford system closed down, in 1972.[3][5] Its predicted ridership is 8-9 million passengers in the first year.[6]
Contents
The twentieth century system
The original Leeds system was operated by Leeds Tramways, and had one route, from City Square, Leeds, to Moor Top, via Lower Wortley and Farnley.[7] It was launched at Thirsk Row, off Wellington Street, Leeds, on 20 June 1911. The first of two buses to set off on the first official run was driven by Leeds's then Lord Mayor, William Middlebrook, and the second by his deputy, Frederick James Kitson. Both buses went on a round trip to Farnley, four miles from Leeds, returning 45 minutes later.[7][8]
When the original Leeds system commenced operations, it had four trolleybuses.[7][8] They were manufactured by the Railless Electric Traction Company, and powered by Siemens engines.[7] Each had solid rubber tyres, and carried 28 passengers, who paid their fares when boarding.[3] Known officially as "trackless cars" to distinguish them from trams,[8] they ran on rural routes, to which trams were not suited.[9]
The original system had a stone-built depot at Guiseley, which still exists.[3] The initial route was later supplemented by two feeder routes, which radiated from the depot. The original system's three routes were as follows:[3]
- Leeds–Lower Wortley–Farnley–Moor Top;
- Guiseley–Otley;
- Guiseley–Burley-in-Wharfedale
The original system was not hugely successful.[9] There was also controversy between Leeds Corporation and the various councils over several issues relating to its operation.[3] As time passed, internal combustion engined buses became more competitive. They soon replaced the original trolleybus system, which closed down on 26 July 1928.[9]
The proposed NGT system
Proposed vehicles
Trolleybuses run on rubber tyres like a regular bus but they are powered by electricity from overhead wires. Trolleybuses have fast, smooth acceleration and are clean, quiet and don't pollute the local environment.[10]
The NGT trolleybus vehicles would likely be single articulated, single deck buses, with multiple doors (typically three or four sets). The vehicles would be fully DDA compliant with low floors to allow through movement by wheelchair users and those with buggies and prams.[11]
Proposed routes
Three initial routes were planned to provide NGT links to North, South and East Leeds:[12]
- North Route - would start at a new Park & Ride site at Bodington (with up to 800 spaces)[6] and go to Leeds City Centre;
- South Route - would start at a new Park & Ride site at Stourton (with up to 2,200 spaces)[6] and go to Leeds City Centre; and
- East Route - would connect Leeds City Centre to St James's Hospital.
Progress of the NGT proposal
A 'Major Scheme Business Case' for the NGT proposal was submitted to the UK Department for Transport in October 2009[13] In March 2010, the UK Government announced that the proposal had been awarded 'Programme Entry Approval'.[14]
Funding was approved for the North Route to Bodington as well as an extension of trolleybus network to Holt Park; the South Route to Stourton and a section of the city centre loop linking these two lines. The Government did not approve funding for the East Route to St James's Hospital or a proposed full city centre loop.[15]
However, the NGT trolleybus scheme is currently being reviewed (along with all major schemes) as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Joyce, J.; King, J. S.; and Newman, A. G. (1986). British Trolleybus Systems. London: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 0-7110-1647-X.
- ^ a b c Bruce, Ashley. "British Trolleybus Systems". British Trolleybuses website. http://www.trolleybus.co.uk/system.htm. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f Andrews, FA (August 2007). "Light Rail Transit Association Discussion Document 48: Trolley buses - A second time around in Leeds". Light Rail Transit Association. http://www.lrta.info/DDocs/dd048.pdf. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ "Leeds Trolleybus - the Tbus: modern electric transport for Leeds". Insideyorks.co.uk. http://www.insideyorks.co.uk/. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
- ^ "Bradford Trolleybus Association". Bradford Trolleybus Association. http://www.bradfordtrolleybusassociation.co.uk/758history.html. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
- ^ a b c "Frequently Asked Questions about NGT". New Generation Transport. http://www.ngtmetro.com/faqs. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
- ^ a b c d "History". New Generation Transport. http://newgenerationtransport.com/history/. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ a b c Thorpe, John (23 June 2007). "First outing for city's 'trackless cars'". Yorkshire Evening Post. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/news-features/consumer/first_outing_for_city_s_trackless_cars_1_2107032. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ a b c "Leeds Experimental Trolleybus, no. 503". Leodis. http://www.leodis.net/display.aspx?resourceIdentifier=2010101_171252. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
- ^ "What are trolleybuses?". New Generation Transport. http://www.ngtmetro.com/proposals/trolleybuses.htm. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
- ^ "Leeds NGT - Major Scheme Business Case - Strategic Case". New Generation Transport. October 2009. http://www.ngtmetro.com/NR/rdonlyres/2DE43F31-2A81-4DE8-9638-0D178085DF91/0/MSBCStrategicCase. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
- ^ a b "About NGT". New Generation Transport. http://www.ngtmetro.com/About.htm. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
- ^ "Leeds trolleybus bid on way to DfT". New Generation Transport. 2009. http://www.ngtmetro.com/News/091028.htm. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
- ^ "Major boost for City Region economy". New Generation Transport. 2010. http://www.ngtmetro.com/News/100322.htm. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
- ^ "NGT Routes". New Generation Transport. http://www.ngtmetro.com/proposals.htm. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
External links
Historic trolleybus systems in the United Kingdom England Ashton-under-Lyne · Birmingham · Bournemouth · Bradford · Brighton · Chesterfield · Cleethorpes · Darlington · Derby · Doncaster · Grimsby · Halifax · Hartlepool · Hastings · Huddersfield · Ipswich · Keighley · Kingston upon Hull · Leeds · London · Maidstone · Manchester · Mexborough and Swinton · Newcastle upon Tyne · Nottingham · Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire · Oldham · Portsmouth · Ramsbottom · Reading · Rotherham · St Helens · Southend-on-Sea · South Lancashire · South Shields · Stockport · Teesside · Walsall · Wigan · Wolverhampton · York
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