July 2005

Graham Virco
Bradford Trolleybus System
Report - Gary Wilkinson

Graham Virco gave an interesting talk on the Bradford trolleybus system from its inception in 1911 up to the closure in 1972.

He talked about the route histories and overhead wiring layouts and how the system grew to a maximum route length of forty-seven miles. He also mentioned the Duckworth Lane route operating a two minute frequency with trolleybuses but when it changed over to motorbuses the scheduled timings had to be altered to accommodate the much slower diesel buses.

He reminisced on the occasion when 735, then owned by Robin Kitson, made a celebratory tour of the former trolleybus routes under tow — complete with BCT Trolleybus Stop sign and a few prospective passengers!