Ostrava, one of most important industrial cities in Czech Republic was
home of one of biggest tramway networks in Czech Republic, with large amount
of narrow- and normal-gauge tracks. After WW2, plans to built trolleybus
routes were introduced. There was hope to improve connections in centre
of Ostrava, and to eventually replace some narrow-gauge tramways in city's
suburb. Construction started in 1951, and on 9th May 1952, first round
line from Namesti Republiky through Cihelni and Privozska st. back to Namesti
Republiky was opened. Two lines, A and B were introduced here. In september
1952, third line to Hrusov was opened, and line C was introduced.
At this time, there was fleet of 6 trolleybuses of common type Skoda
7Tr, they were stored in small depot Hrusov, close to station of narrow-gauge
tramway. In spring 1952, new 3-axle trolleybuses Tatra T-400 were delivered.
These big vehicles were much better for service in Ostrava, so 7Tr trolleybuses
were quickly sold to Pardubice. Even before end of 1953, there was totally
20 trolleybuses Tatra T-400 here.
In 1953 construction of new route to Michalkovice started. Michalkovice
were linked with Ostrava with narrow-gauge tramway. This village was located
on hill over Ostrava, so tramways usually have problems to climb up to
this city. In april 1954, line 54 started to run (later in may, former
lines A,B and C were changed to 51...53). Former tramway depot in Michalkovice
was used for trolleybuses too, however capacity of 4 vehicles only was
very small.
New modern trolleybus depot on Sokolska ul. was opened in early 1955
and was able to store more than 50 vehicles. Both depots in Michalkovice
and Hrusov were abandoned.
In 1957, short branch route to main railway station was opened. At
same time, two circle lines 51 and 52 were stopped, and both they were
changed to connect Namesti republiky and rly.station (one line used "east"
part of circle, second one "western").
In 60's, narrow-gauge tramways were shorted, and in city centre they
were frequently replaced with trolleybuses. Second line to Hrusov was introduced
at this time, and also some innercity connection between Vystaviste and
Zamosti were opened at this time.
Popular trolleybuses Tatra T-400 were slowly replaced with new 8Tr
type, but they still remained into service. 8Tr were relatively small,
so Tatra trolleybuses were in use on major routes. Since 1963, new 9Tr
trolleybus was delivered to Ostrava, first one were in 'Russian' style
- two doors only.
In end of 60's, heavy times started. In 1967 short route between Vystaviste
and Zamosti was abandoned. Sadly, it was one of most popular trolleybus
routes. At same year, one of routes to main railway station was abandoned
too. In 1969, there started program of road-upgrading, so there were plans
to abandon trolleybuses in few next years.
For few years in early 70's, trolleybus routing was changed frequently,
in 1972, last Tatra T-400 was withdrawned, in same year, trolleybus lines
were numbered as 101...104. In 1973, last narrow-gauge tramway route in
Ostrava was abandoned, this bringt hard problems to Hrusov's lines, where
amount of passengers was hardly suspended. Still, closing of whole trolleybus'
network was expected in few years.
After long period, in 1979 first new route to Marianske Hory was built.
Since this, trolleybus network was saved. This route was extended in 1980,
when second line from city's centre was built to this area. Major batch
of 36 new trolleybuses Škoda 9Tr was delivered in 1980. In 1982, last Škoda
8Tr was withdrawned from service in Ostrava. Construction started on new
line to Dul Rudy Rijen, this 2200 m. long route was opened in may 1985.
Since 1984, new trolleybuses Škoda 14Tr were delivered, in 1986 also
two new Škoda-Sanos trolleybuses were delivered (but sold to Zlin later).
In 90's was reduced amount of bus lines in Ostrava, so trolleybuses
becomes more popular. In 1993, new line in northern part Hladnov was opened,
and in mid of 90's followed last two new lines, second line to Dul Rudy
Rijen, and also new brach line in Koblov.
Last of 9Tr trolleybuses were withdrawned in 1997. At same year, new
low-floor trolleybuses were delivered to Ostrava, so Ostrava becomes first
city with this type of vehicle. In fleet, there are normal trolleybuses
14Tr and 15Tr, but also two very interesting vehicles Škoda 17Tr. This
type was projected in end of 80's, but never comes into batch production.
Three prototypes were tested for long period, but they were not used. For
financial reasons, Ostrava purchased two of prototypes (bodies only), and
installed here electric equipment same as in 14Tr vehicles. Both these
trolleybuses are in use now (third and last prototype is still in Skoda
Ostrov).
Trolleybuses are today in Ostrava very important, especially in northern part of city. There are plans to extend more these routes, but certainly, financial problems are hard...
Following lines are now in service:
| 3217-3222 | Škoda 14Tr03 | 1983, built for Eberswalde and Potsdam (Germany), purchased in 1995-1997 |
| 3223-3224 | Škoda 14Tr05 | 1984 |
| 3225-3234 | Škoda 14Tr05 | 1985 |
| 3235-3241 | Škoda 14Tr07 | 1986 |
| 3242-3248 | Škoda 14Tr08 | 1987 |
| 3249-3256 | Škoda 14Tr08 | 1989 |
| 3257-3261 | Škoda 14Tr10 | 1990 |
| 3301,3302 | Škoda 21Tr | 1997 |
| 3303,3304 | Škoda 21Tr | 1998 |
| 3503 | Škoda 15Tr02 | 1987, purchased in 1989 from Zlin |
| 3504-3510 | Škoda 15Tr02 | 1990 |
| 3511-3513 | Škoda 15Tr03 | 1994, built 1991 |
| 3901,3902 | Škoda 17Tr | 1997,1998, prototypes, el.eq. from 14Tr |
| 29 | Škoda 8Tr | 1958, from Zlin, museum vehicle |
| 82 | Škoda 9TrH | 1977, museum vehicles |
Map (incl.tramway network):