60 trolleybuses by Skoda for the Zlin network

Zlin (Czech Republic) has started the renewal of its trolleybus fleet. DSZO (Dopravní společnost Zlín-Otrokovice), the Zlín and Otrokovice transport company recently signed a contract with the manufacturer Škoda for the supply of up to 60 new trolleybuses, for the purchase of which DSZO received a grant from the EU. 

The trolleybuses will be low-floor with SOR bodywork, and equipped with battery packs so that they can travel wirelessly over 10 kilometres, using electricity from the batteries.

In 2024, DSZO launched a public tender for the trolleybus fleet renewal, after the 2023 tender for 25 trolleybuses was cancelled in 2024.

Focus on Zlin trolleybuses’s network

In operation since 27 January 1944, the Zlin network can count on 14 trolleybus lines, which also operate on public holidays and mostly in the evening hours.

The trolleybus fleet is equipped with 56 vehicles, supplied by Solaris and Irisbus with a Skoda electric part; 10 vehicles delivered between 2016 and 2020, 2 Skoda 26 Tr 7 Sor -Skoda 30 Tr and one Skoda 35 Tr are equipped with battery packs. The oldest vehicles are the 12 Skoda 24 TR Irisbuses delivered between 2004 and 2006, followed by four more similar ones delivered in 2013.

The new trolleybuses will undoubtedly allow an expansion of the fleet, with the possibility of an intensification of the service.

by Stefano Alfano