Just some years ago a trolleybus that was catching up a rabbit in the field was a subject of different anecdotes. But now it is a reality. This relatively new kind of vehicles is produced in Lutsk “Bogdan” automobile plant.
First models of trolleybuses without overhead wires appeared there four years ago, when Poland ordered some to move without electricity for a distance of 20 kilometers. Then, the plant supplied 38 of new public transport items to the neighboring country.
After that Lutsk provided Ukraine’s capital with the same trolleybuses. However, the engines used for their production were less powerful. Now the plant makes a new ‘batch’ for Kremenchuk. This town won a grant of 2 million euros. For this sum Lutsk will supply the town with 35 trolleybuses of 12 meters length and 5 of – 18 meters.
The process of autonomous drive is half-automatic. The driver has a button that can level down the wires. Besides, such trolleybuses have cameras, route indicators and voiced bus stops.
All this innovations would be useful for Lutsk, however, the authorities claim they have money for ‘retired’ vehicles.
Today “Bogdan” can produce 2 200 vehicles per year. Till 2020 they plan to increase its number to 6000.