Evocative Photos of London Trolley Buses in 1962 – Their Final Year

Twickenham, 5th May 1962

Geoff Bannister, using a 35mm Ilford Sportsman Vario, took these photos of Trolley Buses just before their abandonment in May 1962 by London Transport. At its peak, the London network of Trolley Buses was the largest in the world, running 68 routes.

Trolleybuses began to replace trams in London in 1931. Passengers found them easier and safer to use because they pulled up to the kerb. You no longer had to avoid the traffic while getting on and off in the middle of the road.

For much of its existence, the London system was the largest in the world. It peaked at 68 routes, with a maximum fleet of 1,811 trolleybuses.

Harrow Road at Westbourne Terrace, 2 Jan 1962.

Hammersmith, 2 Jan 1962

Isleworth, 5th May 1962

Chiswick Flyover 1962

Harrow Road, 2nd Jan 1962

Harrow Road, 2nd January 1962

Ravenscourt Park, 5th May 1962

Twickenham 5 May 1962

Turnham Green 5th May 1962

Shepherds Bush, 5 May 1962.

Stamford Brook 5 May 1962

Turnham Green, 5th May 1962

Brentford Half Acre, 5 May 1962

Shepherds Bush 5 May 1962

Turnham Green 5 May 1962

More of Geoff Bannister’s wonderful pictures can be seen at his website Transport of Delight.