In addition to its unusual length, the new Škoda-Solaris trolleybus also impresses with other parameters: since it has up to 2 joints and 3 links, its capacity has increased to 180 passengers. It has a hybrid drive, thanks to which it can travel a short distance on batteries. Currently, the first section is running on line 71 between Bratislava Main Station, Miletičová Street and Dolný hon. Additional vehicles will be added after the necessary tests are completed.
Long trolleybus and priority when exiting the stop
Many drivers will meet the new type of trolleybus on Bratislava’s roads. What should you watch out for on one of the longest trolleybuses in the world? And what is important to pay attention to in terms of road traffic rules?
“In practice, a double-jointed trolleybus behaves like a single-jointed one, as the rear axle almost exactly copies the trajectory of the one in the middle section of the vehicle. But what is true for each of our vehicles, when giving priority when the vehicle leaves a stop or bus lane, we recommend that car drivers always stop behind the level of the bus or trolleybus, not next to it at the level of the vehicle’s rear axle or joint.” Martin Chlebovec, spokesman for the Bratislava Transport Company, said for the Topspeed.sk portal.
“The homologation process of the new type of trolleybus has not yet been completed. We anticipate the deployment of the vehicles after approval of all necessary permits,” said the Transport Company in its statement. They already have trolleybuses of this type in cities in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden and Austria. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Bratislava is the first city, and therefore a pioneer.
Source/photo: DPB