GLASGOW TROLLEYBUSES DOOMED
Page 50
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE 115 trolleybuses currently operated
by Glasgow Corporation Transport are likely to be replaced by motorbuses over the next two years. In the financial year ended last month the trolleybuses lost 4:268,000 compared with £165,000 from the operation Of the fleet of more than 1,400 motorbuses.
Although no firm decision has been made, Cult.. W. M. Lee. convener of the transport committee, is reported as saying that the trolleybuses would be withdrawn "as quickly as possible ". Mr. E. R. L. Fitzpayne, general manager. has recommended to the committee that tenders be invited for 100 motorbus chassis to replace the trolleys. Mr. Fitzpayne also reported that the department had not been able to ovemorne
traffic delays caused by trolley de-wire-. menis, and redevelopment schemes for the city would also affect a number of the trolleybus routes.
Glasgow was one of the last undertakings to introduce trolleybuses. the first examples entering service about 1949. Proposals to extend the initial service to Rutherglen were approved, against the recommendations of the transport committee. by the casting vote of the Lord Provost of the lime. The committee thought that the tram service should be retained, as a trolleybus service would be uneconomic. At its height the trolleybus fleet numbered just under 200 vehicles, including 10 35ft. single-deckers, introduced by special dispensation at a time when 30 ft. was the normal limit for single-deck buses.