Startseite
The populous coastal area between the cities of Rimini an Riccione on nearby Adria discusses since decades possibilities of strengthen puplic transport. The only efficient traffic axis were until 2020 the FS Bologna – Ancona railway line with only one stop between Rimini and Riccione in Miramare and trolleybusline 11 on the often congested coast road. There were ideas of a tram line as well as people movers or a cable railway. The final decision to build a TBRT (trolleybus rapid transit system) was made in 2017, and the electric service started on 28th October, 2021.
The new line was built almost on a seperated buslane. The first step of this new system is about 9,8 km long with 17 stations. The new trolleybus line is 60% on single spur (but with 2 pairs of overhead) and a block signaling system. For the first about 800 meters the trolleybuses use the trackbed of the former narrow gauge, electric international railway from Rimini to San Marino (1931 – 1944) passing it`s old depot Rimini Marina. Nearby the trolleybuses cross the standard gauge track to Rimini`s FS workshop.
The line called „Metromare“ operates every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 0.30 a.m. linking also the Rimini airport with Rimini and Riccione as well. There are 5 trolleybuses of type VanHool Exquicity 18T in serevice, one of them is used as a spare trolleybus at Rimini FS. In stock are 9 VanHool/Kiepe trolley-busses (36511-36519) for Metromare, beside 6 trolleybusses for traditional line 11. The whole line is fitted with overhead with one additional turning loop at Miramare Airport. The auxiliary drive is only used for depot rides.
The Rimini – Riccione TBRT line is the first step of a new efficient trolleybus system in and around Rimini. The next step will bring a further 4,2 km line between Rimini FS and the Rimini fair ground. There are plans for a 3rd step (Santarcangelo di Romaga, about 8 km) and a 4th step ( Riccione – Cattolica even about 8 km).
There are similar rapid trolleybus systems in construction or under consideration in Pescara and Novara. It is to hope that this example of efficient, clean and fast public transport makes school – not even in Italy!
Trolleybus 36511 standing on the common platform of trains and trolleybuses in Riccione FS station, awaiting departure for a fast run to Rimini
Trolleybus 36517 arrived in Riccione FS – barriers protect the trolleybus only lane from cars
Trolleybus 36517 turing on the traffic circle in front of Riccione railway station
Trolleybus 36514 on its fast run from Rimini to Riccione on a single spur road protected with block signals and traffic signs
Trolleybus 36514 passing the short working loop at Miramare Airport
Trolleybus 36514 awaiting departure at Rimini FS - see the high platform and the metro like design of the stations
Trolleybus 36511 at Lagmaggio station – a bi directional station on a single spur part of the line with platforms on both sides
Trolleybus 36518 turnes in front of Rimini railway station while trolleybus 36516 waits for extra duties
Trolleybus 36519 passes 36516 at Rimini FS turning loop
Trolleybus 36513 arriving at Riccione FS station into direction Rimini
Trolleybus 36511 leaving the bus only lane in Riccione to turn for ist return trip to Rimini
Photos & text: Gunter Mackinger 6th – 11th June, 2022
The new line was built almost on a seperated buslane. The first step of this new system is about 9,8 km long with 17 stations. The new trolleybus line is 60% on single spur (but with 2 pairs of overhead) and a block signaling system. For the first about 800 meters the trolleybuses use the trackbed of the former narrow gauge, electric international railway from Rimini to San Marino (1931 – 1944) passing it`s old depot Rimini Marina. Nearby the trolleybuses cross the standard gauge track to Rimini`s FS workshop.
The line called „Metromare“ operates every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 0.30 a.m. linking also the Rimini airport with Rimini and Riccione as well. There are 5 trolleybuses of type VanHool Exquicity 18T in serevice, one of them is used as a spare trolleybus at Rimini FS. In stock are 9 VanHool/Kiepe trolley-busses (36511-36519) for Metromare, beside 6 trolleybusses for traditional line 11. The whole line is fitted with overhead with one additional turning loop at Miramare Airport. The auxiliary drive is only used for depot rides.
The Rimini – Riccione TBRT line is the first step of a new efficient trolleybus system in and around Rimini. The next step will bring a further 4,2 km line between Rimini FS and the Rimini fair ground. There are plans for a 3rd step (Santarcangelo di Romaga, about 8 km) and a 4th step ( Riccione – Cattolica even about 8 km).
There are similar rapid trolleybus systems in construction or under consideration in Pescara and Novara. It is to hope that this example of efficient, clean and fast public transport makes school – not even in Italy!
Trolleybus 36511 standing on the common platform of trains and trolleybuses in Riccione FS station, awaiting departure for a fast run to Rimini
Trolleybus 36517 arrived in Riccione FS – barriers protect the trolleybus only lane from cars
Trolleybus 36517 turing on the traffic circle in front of Riccione railway station
Trolleybus 36514 on its fast run from Rimini to Riccione on a single spur road protected with block signals and traffic signs
Trolleybus 36514 passing the short working loop at Miramare Airport
Trolleybus 36514 awaiting departure at Rimini FS - see the high platform and the metro like design of the stations
Trolleybus 36511 at Lagmaggio station – a bi directional station on a single spur part of the line with platforms on both sides
Trolleybus 36518 turnes in front of Rimini railway station while trolleybus 36516 waits for extra duties
Trolleybus 36519 passes 36516 at Rimini FS turning loop
Trolleybus 36513 arriving at Riccione FS station into direction Rimini
Trolleybus 36511 leaving the bus only lane in Riccione to turn for ist return trip to Rimini
Photos & text: Gunter Mackinger 6th – 11th June, 2022
