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Trolleybuses in Ghent

The Flemish city of Ghent (Gent in Flemish, Gand in French) operated trolleybuses on a single cross-city route for 22 years. Like all of the transport in the city it was operated by "De Lijn" (literally "The Line"), which is the transport company running buses and trams for the Flemish speaking part of Belgium.
The route was opened in 1987 and was run using Van Hool trolleybuses, which all date from the same time. Van Hool is a Belgian firm, so Ghent was the only home customer for their trolleybuses. Ghent also has an extensive tramway system, which led to some very curious wiring where routes crossed. By running the tram wires at around 5 cm lower than the trolleybus wires, they allowed the trollybus wires to run through without a break, while a metal cowl ensured that the tram's pantograph didn't touch the trolleybus wiring.

Unfortunately, major road works meant re-wiring of the route was necessary and it was suspended for the duration. There was a point at which it was believed that the system would be abandoned, but then it was announced that it would reopen on the 1st September 2005 and it did reopen around that time. In December 2008, regular sevices stopped with trolleybuses only making the occasional appearance as relief buses or enthusiasts excursions. The final closure took place with a farewell running day on the 14th June 2009.


Korenmarkt on route to Gentbrugge.
These cobblestones give a rather bumpy ride.
Korenmarkt on route to Mariakerke

At the Mariakerke terminus
At the Gentbrugge terminus

At the Gentbrugge terminus.

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Background is Wolverhampton trolleybus No 74, a Guy BTX with Guy bodywork, the Black Country Museum in Dudley has No 78, which is identical. It was discovered in a field in Ireland and returned to the museum for restoration.

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