Trolleybuses in Mérida

The Mérida trolleybus - in Spanish: Sistema Trolebus de Mérida - is next to the system in Barquisimeto one of two trolleybus operations in Venezuela. It is used by the operating company Trolebus Mérida CA - Short Tromerca - out. By September 2009, it operated under the name Trolmérida, this term is also used as a synonym for the entire system. The trolley bus number 1 is the backbone of public transport in Mérida. She currently combines a radial line to Alberto Carnevalli airport on the edge of downtown with the southeastern neighbor city Ejido. Part of the line leads as overland route through undeveloped territory.

History

The operating company was founded in 1999, the construction work for the Mérida trolleybus began in February 2000. According to numerous construction delays on 26 November 2006, the opening, initially it was only a trial run. Once perverted 1937-1945 already in the capital Caracas trolleybuses has been the second operation in the country.

Initially, only the 6.5- kilometer section between the last stop at the terminal Ejido Mérida airport and the bus stop Alto Chama was operated at the intermediate stations was down. The Cars of only Sundays from 12:00 bis 16:00 clock, the passenger ride was free. This trial run has been extended from January 2007 due to good response by an hour to 17:00 clock.

The official opening with commissioning of intermediate stops and simultaneous extension to Pie del Llano finally took place on 18 June 2007, from then on, the track was 10.2 km long and there were 15 stations served. However, the trolleybus wrong still only at peak times, ie in the morning from 8:00 bis 11:00 clock and in the afternoon from 16:35 bis 19:00 clock. The car could still be used free of charge - as long as the line no longer operates the city center, the operating company may not charge fares.

Due to financial problems the further expansion of the system was at times uncertain, in 2009 the construction was temporarily halted. It was only in September 2012 was followed by the second expansion to six stations to Mercado Periférico - initially from 3 September only on Mondays, since September 22 finally daily. Because no turning loop is at the temporary terminal is available, turn the trolley buses there with her auxiliary drive. It will continue to be collected no fare, but began on 24 October 2012, the issue of tickets. Passengers are to be so used to the future operation.

In the final stage than diameter line to the north of the city center stop Núcleo La Hechicera - there a block loop is provided - to the entire route once be 18.2 km long, include 37 stations and are served by two lines. Then the recording of daily, commercial control operation is planned.

Infrastructure

The Oberleitungsbusstrecke in Mérida is similar to a bus trace, traced out completely independently from individual. The operation is not performed, however track. As an extra stops are equipped with 65 centimeters high and covered bus platforms, these same known of light rail systems high platforms. Designed particularly complex, the two terminal stations Ejido and Alto Chama, who is responsible for this was the Venezuelan architect Roberto Ameneiro.

Getting into the car is thus similar continuously as in a modern light rail. Because this is only is centrally located platforms No. comparable to the central platforms in rail transport with busses trolleybuses, contrary to the usual mode of order in the left-hand traffic. Furthermore, the stops have access barriers, although these are not yet in operation because of the free ride now.

The depot is located near the terminus terminal Ejido and is not connected to the catenary system. It can thus be achieved only with the auxiliary drive. As a model for the treated here Bus Rapid Transport System in the Mérida in 1995 opened Quito trolleybus served in Ecuador.

Rolling stock

For the operation, a total of 45 three-door articulated cars with auxiliary drive available, they have been delivered until May- July 2003 Mérida. The vehicles created as a joint venture of various companies, this type is found only in Mérida. The chassis comes from EvoBus Ibérica, the Spanish subsidiary of Mercedes -Benz bus. The bodies set forth Hispano Carrocera, the electrical equipment was supplied by Bombardier. For interior and exterior design, the Italian company Pininfarina was responsible. The cars are specially adapted to the stops and have no steps. However, only a small portion of the 45 trolleybuses is required for the current forward operation, the rest is parked in the depot.

Gallery

Parked trolleybuses in the depot

Alto Chama: Mittelbussteig with access lock

Special track on the overland route to Ejido