Trolleybuses in Belfast
|
|
| Operation | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Open | 28 March 1938 |
| Close | 12 May 1968 |
| Status | Closed |
| Routes | 17 |
| Operator(s) | Belfast Corporation Tramways |
| Infrastructure | |
| Depot(s) | 3 |
| Stock | 245 (maximum) |
| Statistics | |
| Route length | 37.5 miles |
The Belfast trolleybus system served the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was the only trolleybus system built in Ireland. Opened on 28 March 1938, it gradually replaced the city’s tramway network.
The Belfast system was the second largest trolleybus system in the United Kingdom, after the London system. It had a total of 17 routes, and a maximum fleet of 245 trolleybuses. It closed on 12 May 1968.
In 1936, Belfast Corporation's tramway committee recommended that an experimental trolleybus service be inaugurated after inspecting the Birmingham, Bournemouth, London, Nottingham, Portsmouth and Wolverhampton systems. Seven pairs of chassis from AEC, Crossley, Daimler, Guy, Karrier, Leyland and Sunbeam were acquired. These were fitted with six types of electric motor with coachwork by five different builders, and were supplied on the proviso that should the trial be a success, Belfast Corporation would purchase them and should it fail, they would be returned.
On 28 March 1938, operations commenced out of Falls Park depot along Falls Road. This was chosen as being a virtually stand alone route.
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