Unveiling Bradford's Trolleybus Legacy: A Journey Through Time
A City's Electric Transport Revolution
Between 1911 and 1972, Bradford witnessed the rise and fall of an innovative transport system: its trolleybus network. This period marked a unique chapter in the city's history, where overhead wires crisscrossed the streets, powering a fleet of over 200 electric trolleybuses. But what makes Bradford's story truly fascinating is the journey from being the first authority to seek Parliamentary Powers for trolley vehicles to becoming a pioneer in introducing double-deck trolleybuses and interior heating in the 1960s.
A Unique Transport Hybrid
Trolleybuses, a hybrid of electric trams and motorbuses, were a common sight in Bradford. Unlike trams, they ran on rubber tires and took power from two overhead wires. Bradford's network was a testament to the city's commitment to this innovative transport solution.
The Birth of a Network
In June 1911, Bradford opened its first trolleybus route between Laisterdyke and Dudley Hill. This marked the beginning of a network that would eventually span 47 miles of route wiring. The city's persistence in operating trolleybuses, despite some short-lived ventures, led to the introduction of many innovations, making Bradford a leader in trolleybus technology.
A Treasure Trove of Vehicles
Bradford Corporation took advantage of towns discontinuing trolleybus services, allowing them to purchase complete vehicles for as little as £70 each. These vehicles, sourced from places like Darlington, Hastings, Brighton, and St Helens, were reconditioned and re-bodied for further service. The result was a diverse fleet that contributed to Bradford's unique trolleybus identity.
Behind the Scenes: The Overhead Line Department
The Overhead Line and Works Department played a pivotal role in the city's trolleybus operations. This team, often described as 'a law unto themselves' by BCT staff, was responsible for the 24-hour maintenance and renewal of the overhead wiring. With five crews of three men, they ensured the continuous operation of the trolleybus services, making them an indispensable part of Bradford's transport infrastructure.
A City's Transport Hub: Forster Square
Forster Square was the nerve center of Bradford's City Transport operations. The author, who worked in the Stores and Purchasing Department, had unrestricted access to the entire building, which remained the BCT Head Office until 1976. This hub was a bustling center of activity, with stories of characters who worked there, contributing to the city's transport legacy.
Powering the Network: Valley Road Power Station
The Valley Road Power Station, originally a Bradford Corporation undertaking, was a key player in the city's trolleybus network. This facility, demolished in the 1980s and now a retail park, supplied the power needed to keep the trolleybuses running.
Beyond Bradford: A National Network
Bradford's trolleybus network was not an isolated venture. The author visited other towns in the 1960s that also operated trolleybuses, including Huddersfield, Newcastle, Nottingham, and even Belfast. These towns shared a common thread of innovation and experimentation with electric transport.
The End of an Era
The final chapter of Bradford's trolleybus story covers the ordering of 70 new motorbuses in early 1970, which would replace the remaining trolleybuses by 1972. This marked the end of an era, but the legacy of the Overhead Line Department and the city's transport infrastructure lived on, influencing future generations of transport enthusiasts.
Preserving the Past: A Second Volume
A second volume is in the works, taking the story forward to the end of trolleybus operations in 1972 and beyond. It will explore the era of preservation at various transport museums in the North of England, ensuring that Bradford's trolleybus legacy is not forgotten.
A Book for All
'In Search of Perfect Curves' is a book that resonates with Bradfordians, allowing them to reflect on the city as it was in the 1960s and 1970s. While aimed at transport enthusiasts, particularly trolleybus aficionados, it offers a unique glimpse into Bradford's past, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the city's history and transport evolution.
