BRADFORD has the unique distinction of being the most longstanding trolleybus user, having operated them for over 60 years. Along with Leeds, they commenced operation on the same day in June, 1911. The original idea was a "trackless tram" to save the cost of laying track, but having the advantages of electric traction. After various methods of current collection, the twin trolleyboom and twin overhead-wire system became the norm.
The very first trolleybuses were virtually tramcar bodies on a bus chassis. Many of the early ones had hand-operated controllers and those that didn't have a ratchet arrangement to operate the controller by the left foot. The tram layout of controller on the left, brake on the right was retained, because in legal terms, trolleybuses were trackless trams and not buses. Trolleybus drivers came from the ranks of tramcar drivers and they were familiar with that layout.
As the 1930's saw the trolleybus turn from a trackless tram into an electric bus, the controls stayed where they were. By 1930, the trolleybus was a clean swift and very modern looking vehicle.
So what are the advantages? Simply, they are clean and silent. Unlike the diesel bus, there is no engine, only an electric motor.
Imagine a pavement cafe in a street used by buses. The particulates from the diesel fumes, tiny and invisible, would cause as much damage to your lungs as passive smoking. Now imagine the same street used only by trolleybuses, no particulates, no health risk. Also, when waiting in a traffic queue or at a stop, they consume no power unlike the diesel bus with its engine still belching out fumes. Uphill, they will leave even the most modern diesel bus standing, as they prove every weekend at the Black Country Museum. Also most weekends at Sandtoft and East Anglia.
The system enjoyed an Indian Summer made possible by the skilful management of the undertaking between 1951 and 1961 by General Manager, Chaceley Humpidge, a devotee of electric traction, who made it possible for the system to survive until 1972, when the last two routes were withdrawn. That survival was largely ensured by the wholesale purchase and rebodying of surplus trolleybuses from other British systems as they closed down their networks.
When Bradford's system closed on 26th March 1972, it was the last survivor of the fifty municipalities or companies who had used this efficient, economical and silent form of transport for its citizens.
The BRADFORD TROLLEYBUS ASSOCIATION was founded in 1972 upon closure of the trolleybus system in Bradford (March 26th). This was also the end of trolleybus operation in Great Britain. The Association's aims were to co-ordinate the preservation of the city's trolleybuses and, eventually, to restore vehicles to operational condition.
The Association organises monthly Social Meetings in Bradford on the second Friday of the month (except August). The country's oldest working cable tramway - Shipley Glen Cable Tramway - was restored in 1982 by the BTA. The quarterly magazine "TRACKLESS" is distributed only to members and contains historical articles, local transport news, plus items from Sandtoft, Shipley Glen Tramway and elsewhere.
If you would like to find out more about the B.T.A., please send a 9" x 6" (A5) SAE for a sample magazine and membership details to: -
Mr R. Kitson
BTA Membership Secretary,
31 Avery Tulip Court,
Edward Turner Close,
BRADFORD
BD12 0AT
The B.T.A.'s members hold a variety of ex-Bradford trolleys and itself owns one vehicle - the unique Bradford 758.
Other Bradford trolleybuses at Sandtoft include 703, 706, 743, 746, 792, 834, 845 and 847. Others, preserved elsewhere, include 704, 711, 712, 713. 735, 737, 835, 844 and 846. Additionally, the body shell of 1914 "Trackless" No.515 exists at the Bradford Industrial Museum whilst a 1929 English Electric S/D is in private hands. Of the vehicles based at Sandtoft, 706, 746, 792 and 834 have been restored and operate under the wires.
At the moment, 746 is the only Bradford trolleybus with original body in restored condition. It was new in 1949 and carries period advertisements. 834 was originally in the Darlington fleet before being purchased by Doncaster. BRADFORD received it in 1959 and it rebodied in 1962 by East Lancs and lasted until 1971.
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