TransLink to replace trolley fleet with modern buses
Posted March 26, 2025 3:01 pm.
TransLink discussed plans to replace its entire fleet of 262 trolley buses over the next couple of years at a public board meeting Wednesday.
The transportation agency says the move comes after signing a contract with European manufacturer Solaris.
Coast Mountain Bus Company president Mike McDaniel says the first new trolley bus should hit the streets by “mid-2026” with the remainder being rolled out through 2027.
He says TransLink could continue adding to its fleet after that.
“We intend to replace the the entire existing fleet of 262 trolley buses. But the contract does also allow for some possible expansion if we if we choose to do that,” McDaniel explained.
He says the vehicles will improve on the experience of riding the current trolley buses.
“In addition to having air conditioning, which will make every one of it more comfortable on our trolley buses, the new fleet will use the overhead wires for propulsion, but also have a traction battery that charges while the bus is in motion. This will allow Solaris buses to operate ‘off wire’ for about 20 kilometres,” said McDaniel.
The agency’s blog says the change opens the opportunity for including trolley buses on routes with sections that don’t include overhead trolley wires.
The renewed fleet will make up TransLink’s fourth generation of trolley buses, with the current fleet reaching its 20-year service life after being introduced in 2006.
TransLink says the initial order is valued at just over $180 million.
