A project in Metro Vancouver will extend the life of trolley overhead (TOH) infrastructure by 30-60 years, after a combined investment of more than $26.6 million from the federal government, Vancouver, and TransLink.
Announced by Minister Terry Beech, Minister Rob Fleming, Mayor Ken Sim, and TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn, this project will maintain TOH infrastructure, which connects trolley cars to overhead wires, and support the longevity of trolley bus service in Vancouver and Burnaby.
Trolley bus service has been an integral part of zero-emission transit in Metro Vancouver for the past 75 years. Trolley buses replace conventional diesel buses, saving over 18,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually while providing a clean public transit option in the region. The replacement of aging components is essential to keeping TOH infrastructure in good shape and keeping trolley buses moving on the street.
This funding will help replace a variety of components that make up the TOH infrastructure, including up to 600 steel trolley poles, approximately 60 km of running wire, and up to 6,000 m of underground cable. Other assets like switch assemblies and hanger and ear units will also be replaced.
The project aligns with the Metro Vancouver Mayors' Vision, TransLink's Investment Plan, and shared environmental goals by ensuring that existing infrastructure meets quality and safety requirements in order to support trolley bus ridership and reduce GHG emissions. This investment in public transit will also help make these communities more inclusive and enhances the quality of life for users of these services by making it easier for them to get around.
