Latest News

Manchester 1344 returns to BTS ownership

After an extended period of discussions 1344 is now back under the ownership of the BTS and will be returning to the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft in the near future in order that the restoration can be completed. This work is expected to include an exterior repaint and complete refurbishment of the seats: any donations towards this project will be most welcome! For more details click here

London Trolleybus 1348

Although there was no BTS involvement, we are pleased to report that London Trolleybus 1348 has now arrived at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft.

Following agreement between the Transport Museum Society of Ireland and The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, London K2 class trolleybus no 1348 returned to the UK on the evening of 1st July, arriving by ferry at Liverpool from Dublin. 1348 reached its new home at Sandtoft the following day. The Gathering event at the end of July will be the first occasion the vehicle has been seen in public since it was withdrawn from service in 1961. Much work needs to be done if it is to run again 50 years after the closure of the world's largest trolleybus system on 8th May 1962. Built by Leyland in 1939 it is an all metal construction with standard Metro-Vic electric's. A full assessment of the work that will be needed to completely restore this vehicle has yet to be completed but some cost such as new panels, window rubbers, glazing, upholstery, tyres will be unavoidable. The Trolleybus Museum has opened a fund for the restoration. Donations can be made online or by sending a cheque made payable to "The Trolleybus Museum" to 1348 Restoration Fund, 8 Woods Terrace, Gainsborough, DN21 2RP

William's New Wheels

'William' the ex Reading Corporation Transport Horse Drawn Tower Wagon dating from 1902 has recently had its wheels refurbished as restoration of this important vehicle begins. One photo shows 'William' on display in Sandtoft Square on Sunday 30 May 2010 whilst the other photo shows the magnificent refurbishment of one of the 4 wheels.

Cardiff 203 Relaunch

The BTS was proud to relaunch trolleybus Cardiff 203 back into service at the Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft on Sunday 30 May 2010. Lord Stoddart of Swindon carried out the ceremonial duties before invited guests were taken for a ride around the Sandtoft circuit. A full report and photos on the proceedings can be found here.

Leeds's £254m trolleybus network approved

Plans to operate trolleybuses in Britain for the first time in 44 years have been approved by the government.
The decision means commuters in Leeds could be travelling into the city centre on a network of electrically-powered buses within six years.

Public transport provider Metro said the £254m, 14km (8.7 mile) network would "provide a major economic boost" for the city. Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said the scheme would ease congestion.

Metro hopes the network will be operating by 2016, 44 years after Bradford, the last UK city to use trolleybuses, shut its system in 1972. The trolleybus plan has been granted "programme entry approval", which allows Metro to draw up detailed plans for the scheme. For further details see the New Generation Transport website for Leeds at: www.ngtmetro.com