| Trolleybus News | ||
| Valparaiso [CL] - Operations stabilised | ||
| D. Budach - 04.01.10 |
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| Following rumours in the recent past suggesting the closure of Trolleybus operations in the Chilean port, Valparaíso the situation appears to have become more stable. The entire operation, and with it a part of the fleet, was considered, a few years ago, by the State to be a cultural heritage which was to be preserved. The population of the city strongly supports and identifies itself with this point of view. Currently, the only route being operated is the 8.7 kilometre long route 802 which is operated Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 09:30 p.m. with a short interval service. Usually are 19 Trolleybuses in operation. In all 24 Trolleybuses are available for regular service, including the world's oldest surviving two axle and articulated vehicles. The oldest two axle in it's original condition, was built in 1947 and acquired from Santiago 814 (others of same series were rebuilt several times). The oldest articulated Trolleybus is former Zurich FBW / SWS / MFO Trolleybus 105, built in 1959 The fleet is made up of the following Articulated Trolleybuses, (status quo 12/2009): Numbers 99, 612, 617 ex Geneva 607, 612, 617 1965 built Bernadette / SWS / R & J / SAAS Number 102 ex Schaffhausen 102 1966 built Bernadette / SWS / R & J / SAAS Number 105 ex Zurich 105 1959 built FBW / SWS / MFO 105 Numbers 503, 504 ex Santiago ex Zürich 129, 132 1963/64 built FBW/SWS/MFO Bj. 1963/64 Number 203 Berna/SWS/R&J/SAAS Bj. 1966 ex Schaffhausen 203 Two-axle Trolleybuses Number 116 ex Santiago 1990 ex 116 ex 820 1948 built Pullman St. / GE new carosserie Number 203 ex Schaffhausen 1966 ex 203 1966 built Bernadette / SWS / R & J / SAAS Bj Numbers 603, 607 ex Santiago 1991 built Norinco / Shenfeng Numbers 709, 714, 715, 721, 723 1952 built Pullman Standard / GE (all in original condition) Numbers 801, 802, 806, 821, 832, 859, 888 ex Santiago 1947/48 built Pullman Standard / GE, (all with modified bodywork) Number 814 ex Santiago 1947/48 built Pullman Standard / GE, in original condition Several other vehicles are available as spare part donors. The Trolleybuses 117, 118 and 850 are under a preservation order The following Trolleybuses were classified in 2003 as worthy of preservation: 709, 714, 715, 721, 723, 801, 802, 806, 814, 821, 832, 859 and 888. Two further Chinese Norinco / Shenfeng Trolleybuses, from the earlier series 601-608 ex Santiago, are to be restored for service. All used of the Trolleybuses in operation now have a uniform livery of green and white. The operating company is owned by two private businesses, Pedro Massai and Pedro Heimpell. The latter bought back, the old depot during 2008 but, as this does not provide sufficient capacity for all vehicles, some are still parked at night on streets Av. Argentina and C / Van Buren. These vehicles are under guard at night. The company employs 60 people. Translation: Bankes Our photos show "old friends" in Valparaiso: above the 50-year-old former Zurich 105 articulated Trolleybus still in regular service and below the 1947 built Number 802 which was originally built for Santiago, and has since been much rebuilt and altered. Photos Samuel Fuentes ( www.trolleybusvalparaiso.blogspot.com ) |
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