"The new trolleybuses, LighTram 19 DC, were built by Hess and are identical to the vehicles already operating in Neuchâtel. They are therefore equipped with battery packs that allow operation away from the overhead network."
"In 2011, the then-operator TRN unexpectedly announced the discontinuation of trolleybus services, replacing them with hybrid buses. The decision sparked strong public protests, but these were not enough to change TRN's plans, supported in part by the higher costs associated with trolleybuses compared with electric buses."
"The service was ultimately suspended in 2014, and the 12 trolleybuses in the fleet were sold. The vehicles dated from 1996 (five units) and 2005 (seven units); nine were 18-metre articulated vehicles and three were 12-metre buses."
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland's watchmaking capital, resumed trolleybus operations on February 20, 2026, after a 12-year absence. The service was inaugurated with new Hess-built LighTram 19 DC vehicles equipped with battery packs enabling operation beyond overhead networks. Line 302 currently operates Monday to Saturday with two vehicles in service, with journey times of 20-22 minutes. Twelve additional vehicles are pending delivery to expand service to lines 301 and 304. The trolleybus was discontinued in 2014 after the operator replaced it with hybrid buses due to cost concerns. The restoration represents a reversal of that decision and fulfills long-standing community hopes for the service's return.
#trolleybus-restoration #public-transportation #la-chaux-de-fonds #battery-electric-vehicles #sustainable-transit
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