The Launceston trolleybus system operated in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia from 1951 until 1968.
History After a protracted conversion with multiple delays in delivery of buses and other infrastructure, the Launceston trolleybus system opened on 24 December 1951 from the Launceston city centre to Quarantine Road via Wellington Street replacing a tram service.New Trolleybus System: Launceston System Inaugurated Electric Traction December 1951 page 4First Stage in Launceston Trolleybus Conversion Truck & Bus Transportation February 1952 page 8 A second line opened to Mowbray Heights on 13 September 1952, being extended to Newnham Park on 21 November 1952. On 1 July 1955, operation of the network passed from the Launceston City Council to the Metropolitan Transport Trust.
Further lines opened to Basin Road and Quarantine Road via Talbot Road, both on 24 February 1957 to form a cross-city service, followed by Norwood on 27 November 1961. The network closed in stages in 1968.That Curiosity - the trolley bus Trolley Wire issue 171 August 1977 pages 12-17
Services Launceston's trolleybus routes were as follows: Route Extension Opened Closed Launceston - Quarantine Roadvia Wellington Street 24 December 1951 26 July 1968 Launceston - Mowbray Heights 13 September 1952 26 July 1968 Mowbray Heights - Newnham Park 21 November 1952 26 July 1968 Launceston - Basin Road 24 February 1957 15 July 1968 Launceston - Quarantine Roadvia Talbot Road 24 February 1957 13 July 1968 Launceston - Norwood 27 November 1961 28 June 1968
Fleet The fleet comprised 30 BUT RETB/1s.40 per cent of BUT output for overseas Commercial Motor 22 July 1949 These were bodied in Adelaide by JA Lawnton & Sons, each being trialled on the Adelaide network before being sent to Launceston. In 1964, five were sold for further use on the Hobart system.
Depot The Howick Street tram depot was doubled in size to accommodate the trolleybus fleet.
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