New Megatrolleybus Tested in Plzen, Soon to be Delivered to Bratislava

Prague/Bratislava, August 11 (TASR-correspondent) - The testing of new double-articulated trolleybuses, ordered by Bratislava public transport company for its busiest trolleybus line, began on Thursday (August 10) in the Czech city of Plzen, TASR learnt from its special correspondent in Prague on Friday. At 24 metres, it is one of the longest trolleybuses in the world. "During trial rides, the calibration of its motive power regulation will be tested, as well as crossings between overhead line section dividers, the noise level and vibrations of its motors," stated Skoda Group spokesperson Jan Svehla. "The first passengers will get to ride on the megatrolleybus directly in Bratislava." The trolleybus weighs 38 tonnes and reaches a maximum speed of 70 km/h. The capacity is up to 175 passengers, and the interior is equipped with 60 seats. The electrical equipment includes also a battery to power temporary driving outside of the overhead line. The body and chassis are supplied by Polish-Spanish company Solaris, whereas all the electric components are manufactured by Czech Republic's Skoda Electric, a subsidiary of Skoda Transportation, the largest trolleybus producer in Europe. Aside from 16 high-capacity trolleybuses, the Solaris-Skoda Transportation consortium is to deliver to the city of Bratislava also additional 23 single-articulated trolleybuses of the length of 18 metres. The contract on the two types of vehicles is worth about €29 million VAT-free and to be financed mostly under the EU Funds. mf