Fighting for Basel's trolleybus

On 12th December last, Basel's trolleybus route 33 went over to diesel bus operation, leaving the 31 as last operating trolleybus route. Pro Trolleybus, the organisation fighting against BVB's abandonment plans, was quick to point out a legal hitch: The concession covering this route specified trolleybus operation. The matter was taken up with the transport ministry and BVB had to admit an error. Rather then reverting the damage however, a concession change was applied for. This was granted on 6th May. It is not yet clear whether BVB wil be fined for this breach. Individuals participating in the intervention have 30 days to lodge an appeal. The silver lining is that the ministry states the remaining route 31 must be trolleybus operated until 2010.

Pro Trolleybus has brought about a referendum on trolleybus retention, but no date is announced yet. Public sympathy for the trolleybus is thought to be considerable — the bigger challenge is preventing too much being dismantled before the vote can take place.

See also 13.12.2004, 09.11.2004, 16.09.2004 and 16.06.2004.


this item was added on 10.05.2005 (6898 days ago)
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