Bournemouth 301 Now Part of British Trolleybus Society Collection

The last trolleybus built for service in the UK, Bournemouth 301, was purchased by the BTS in 2016. This was 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. 301 had been housed at the West of England Transport Collection but was moved to the Reading area in December 2016 and has since received attention from a BTS working party.

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

Books

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

Definitive History of French Trolleybuses

We also stock other publications from time to time. Our latest addition is Les trolleybus français en France et dans le Monde, 1900 - 2016 by Georges Muller (French Trolleybuses in France and Worldwide, 1900 - 2016). There is a discounted price for members . Click here for details.

Portsmouth Trolleybuses

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

Membership

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

You can join us now!