Bournemouth 301 Joins British Trolleybus Society Collection

We are proud to announce that the last trolleybus built for service in the UK, Bournemouth 301, has been purchased by the BTS. This has been made possible by the generosity of a group of BTS members whose donations will fund a permanent depot space for 301 at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft. At present 301 is housed at the West of England Transport Collection where it will remain for the time being.

Linked to this is the purchase of Bournemouth 297 by Sandtoft Transport Centre Ltd. 297 and 301 were the last vehicles owned by the Bournemouth Passenger Transport Association and the transfer of ownership follows several months of discussions between the BTS, STCL and the BPTA to give these iconic trolleybuses a secure future as part of the world's largest collection of historic trolleybuses. 297 is already part of the operational fleet at Sandtoft.

The full story behind this important development is told in the July 2016 edition of the Society's monthly magazine, "Trolleybus". Further details from the Museum's perspective appear in the July 2016 edition of "Sandtoft Scene".

The photo here shows 301 on hire to the Reading Transport Society (as we were then known) on 29 December 1968. Members watch the booms being placed on the overhead after 301 has turned at Christchurch turntable.

What The British Trolleybus Society Does

The British Trolleybus Society maintains & restores a historic & unique fleet of trolleybuses, details of which are in the Fleet List pages.  The BTS also contributes to the management & operation of the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, which houses the largest collection of preserved trolleybuses in the world. The Society produces a monthly magazine, ‘Trolleybus’, as well as local bus newsletters for Reading (Bus Fare) & West Yorkshire (Wheels). A free copy of 'Trolleybus' is available to prospective members. Either download a copy by registering using "Member Login", or apply to the Secretary who will post a printed copy to you.

There are monthly meetings in London, Reading & Bradford, to which all are invited.

We are partners in the publication of ‘Trolleybooks’, which cover historic and current systems in the UK and abroad.

We currently have available copies of David Bowler's 'Portsmouth Trolleybuses' which you can purchase here. These are post free while stocks last.

The organisation is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity No. 1033666.

You can join us now!

It's very easy to join the Society! Just click on "Why not join the BTS?" in the next column to find full details of how you can join and pay online or, if you prefer, send a cheque to our Membership Secretary.