After nearly a three-month pause, a rare Bogdan E231 trolleybus, which the locals long called 'Crocodile', has returned to the streets of Lutsk. The vehicle had been out of operation due to technical issues, but after repairs, it has been put back into service. This is reported by 'Public Transport of Lutsk'.
The Bogdan E231 trolleybus has returned to the routes in Lutsk after repairs
The unique trolleybus is considered the last representative of this model in the world that still operates on urban routes. Due to technical problems, the transport was out of service for a long time, but now it is again carrying passengers.
Local residents hope that after restoration, all issues have been resolved, and the trolleybus will operate reliably. Over the years of operation, the 'Crocodile' has become a recognizable symbol of Lutsk's public transport and attracts attention not only from passengers but also from enthusiasts of rare vehicles.
Features of the Bogdan E231 trolleybus and the history of the model
The Bogdan E231 is one of the most interesting Ukrainian trolleybuses of its time. The key characteristics of the model are:
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length of 14.6 meters
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low floor for easy boarding
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three axles and increased capacity
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manufactured in 2007–2008.
It was the first Ukrainian three-axle low-floor trolleybus of large capacity. Its development began in 2006, and serial production started in March 2007.
Initially, the bodies were manufactured in Cherkasy, while the installation of electrical equipment took place at the Lutsk Automobile Plant. In total, only eight such vehicles were produced before the model was discontinued.
The nickname 'Crocodile' was given to the trolleybus due to its large length and distinctive green color. Over the years, this name has become an unofficial brand among the city's residents.
Recall that Zhytomyr is expecting 13 second-hand articulated trolleybuses from the city of Lucerne. This refers to the vehicles that are still operating on the routes of the Swiss city and will be transferred to Ukraine once replacements are found. The transfer is being organized by the Lucerne transport companies in cooperation with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.