Introduction of new trolleybuses in TROLLEY partner cities Gdynia and Eberswalde
The Barnim Bus GmbH celebrated its 70 anniversary and welcomed the first two trolleybuses of their new fleet in Eberswalde on November 6, 2010. The trolleybuses of the Solaris Trollino 18 AC type are able to drive short distances without connection to the overhead wires due to an integrated diesel generator and have “supercaps” on the roof to reduce the peak consumption of electric energy. After the introduction of the entire new fleet it is planned to start research about energy saving potentials with this additional energy storage system in the TROLLEY project at the beginning of 2012. The new technical options of the Solaris Trollino 18 AC were demonstrated during the “maiden trip” after speeches from Frank Wruck, director of the Barnim Bus GmbH, and statements from several local and regional politicians. At 2.30 p.m., the regular passenger service was launched with the new trolleybuses in Eberswalde.
Two weeks before, the City of Gdynia also introduced 10 new low floor trolleybuses of the Solaris Trollino 12M type. The trolleybuses are the first delivery of 25 ordered trolleybuses, which will be delivered by and by until the end of 2011. The new trolleybuses are equipped with electric AC drive units supplied by Medcom (Poland) and battery packs by Saft (France-Czech Republic) which allow for service operation without connection to the overhead wires for about five kilometres. The trolleybuses were purchased in the framework of the European project "Development of ecological public transport in Metropolitan Area Tri-City" and co-financed by the Regional Operational Programme for Pomeranian Voivodship. In the same project, Gdynia wants to modernize five old electric power substations and construct four new substations. Additionally a new control centre for the substations and overhead traction will be built and approximately 12 km overhead wires from the city centre of Gdynia to Sopot will be rebuilt.
