Up to 30 Skoda 33Tr battery-powered trolleybuses are headed to Ústí nad Labem in Czech Republic

Czech city of Ústí nad Labem is set to receive up to 30 articulated trolleybuses from Skoda. The city’s transport company, Dopravní podnik města Ústí nad Labem, and Škoda Group have signed a framework agreement involving the model Škoda 33Tr articulated, with a total contract value of CZK 650 million (€26 million). The agreement also includes the delivery of six charging stations.

Just a few days ago another Czech contract was announced by Skoda, in that case with Dopravní podnik Ostrava (DPO) and for up to 16 new Škoda 26Tr battery trolleybuses. 

The 18-metre articulated vehicles will feature traction batteries with a range of at least 12 km off the overhead network. The trolleybuses will have two driven axles. Passenger equipment includes full air-conditioning, modern information and ticketing systems, CCTV, double insulation glazing, and a CCS socket for cable charging.

Skoda articulated trolleybuses for Ústí nad Labem

A notable feature is the eye-mirror system, replacing conventional rear-view mirrors with cameras to improve visibility and safety. The same system is already in use on Škoda trolleybuses operating in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Ústí nad Labem’s trolleybus system, launched in 1988, has become the backbone of local public transport, covering most of the city and reaching areas difficult to serve by other modes. As of late 2024, the city operated 75 trolleybuses, all supplied by Škoda Group. Ongoing network modernisation projects are expanding service and enabling greater use of battery operation.

“The continuation of our long-term cooperation with the Ústí nad Labem Transport Company is an important step for us. The new Škoda 33Tr trolleybuses are among the most modern vehicles in their category and will offer passengers a high level of comfort and safety, thanks in particular to the use of many innovative technologies,” says Karel Majer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Electric in the Škoda Group.

“We are delighted to be able to continue renewing our fleet and, at the same time, to start regularly modernising our company’s vehicles. The latest contract for the supply of Škoda 33Tr trolleybuses is clear proof of this. We greatly appreciate that we were able to conclude a contract with a reliable partner who has extensive experience in the production of trolleybuses and a long tradition in our city,” said Simona Mohacsi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Dopravní podnik města Ústí nad Labem a.s.