Present in 19 countries
Trolleybus
As an operator of trolleybus networks in France and the Netherlands, Transdev has demonstrated its commitment to continuing the development of low-carbon modes of transport.
- Electric traction contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.
- Passengers who use trams and trolleybuses are thus contributing to the development of more environmentally friendly public transportation.
Two countries, electric from the outset
- Where: Transdev operates trolleybus networks in France and the Netherlands.
- What it is: a bus powered by overhead lines, running on electric traction.
- Its use: a suburban transport service for everyday passengers.
- Why it matters: a low-carbon mode the group intends to keep developing.
- Its place in the network: an electric alternative to the diesel bus, without the range constraints of a battery.
New generation trolleybuses
The growing investment in trolleybuses equipped with IMC (In Motion Charging) technology on the networks operated by Transdev enables us to use new environmentally friendly vehicles and continue to pursue our commitment to sustainability.
IMC (In Motion Charging) trolleybuses are equipped with a light-weight battery, the size of which is adapted to the line profile used. This battery allows them not to depend on overhead lines. They can thus operate with a mix of electric wire and batteries (60% of the time on the wire and 40% on the battery).
The battery is recharged when they travel under the power line. Their autonomy can thus reach 15 to 20 km, which has the advantage of avoiding overhead lines in city centers. They can also be diverted if necessary. Switching from wire to battery and back again takes just a few seconds when the vehicle is stationary.
IMC trolleybuses are among the few fully electric vehicles with no range limit and with technology that has been mastered to date.
The trolleybus network in Saint Etienne
Saint-Étienne Métropole is the Organizing Authority that decides on the transport offer, investments and the policy to be implemented in terms of travel. Within the framework of a public service delegation contract, it has entrusted STAS (Société de transports de l’agglomération stéphanoise), a subsidiary of the Transdev group, with the operation of urban transport in the Saint-Etienne area.
Saint-Etienne Métropole has invested in 23 IMC (In Motion Charging) trolleybuses. STAS‘s future IMC trolleybus, less polluting, less noisy and more resistant than a diesel.
IMC trolleybuses in Saint Etienne
IMC trolleybuses are among the few fully electric vehicles with unlimited range and technology that has been mastered to date.
23
IMC (In Motion Charging) technology trolleybus acquired by Saint-Etienne Métropole
94
passengers, including 22 seats, and 1 place for PMR (person with reduced mobility)
12
long
2,55
width
The trolleybus network in Limoges
With its five trolleybus lines and 38 electric vehicles, the Limoges Métropole public transport network (TLC) ranks Limoges among France's leading cities in terms of clean urban transport.
5
lines
38
vehicles including 7 ICM ("In Motion Charging")
32,5
kmnof overhead lines (i.e. 130 km of wires)
Did you know ?
It was through the Arnhem network in the Netherlands that Transdev participated in the implementation of the first IMC trolleybuses.
Discover our other modes of transportation
At Transdev, we have expertise in all modes of public transport, enabling us to devise sustainable, accessible mobility solutions tailored to each region. Thanks to our multimodal expertise, we design reliable, efficient, and innovative networks that are designed to meet the specific needs of users and support local ecological transitions.
FAQ
What is a trolleybus?
A trolleybus is an electrically powered bus supplied continuously by overhead lines, through poles mounted on its roof. It runs on tyres like a conventional bus, but does not carry its own energy, so it has neither range limits nor charging downtime.
Where does Transdev operate trolleybuses?
Transdev operates trolleybus networks in France and the Netherlands. These operations reflect the group's intention to keep developing low-carbon modes of transport.
What is the difference between a trolleybus and a battery-electric bus?
Both are electric, but a trolleybus draws its power from overhead lines while running, whereas a battery bus stores it on board. The first requires fixed infrastructure along the route, the second requires depot charging and has a range limited by battery capacity.
What is the difference between a trolleybus and a tram?
Both run on electricity supplied by overhead lines, but a trolleybus runs on tyres and uses the existing roadway, with no track laying. Its infrastructure is lighter and its capacity per vehicle lower than that of a tram.
Does the trolleybus have a future?
Transdev has stated its intention to keep developing low-carbon modes of transport, trolleybuses included. Their appeal lies in electric traction without range constraints, which suits high-frequency routes and hilly alignments particularly well.
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