Trolleybuses in Reading

Reading was one of the better trolleybus systems in the UK.
Opened on 18 July 1936, trolleybuses gradually replaced trams. By the standards of the various now-defunct trolleybus systems in the United Kingdom, the Reading system was a moderately sized one, with a total of four routes, and a maximum fleet of 63 trolleybuses. In the months before the system closed on 3 November 1968 a number of tours using trolleybuses from other systems took place. In this video we see Belfast and Huddersfield trolleybuses in Reading.
Filmed by Barry Coward set to music by Richard Stanbrook.

[@ianmackins3978]

I was a conductor on the trolleybuses @1968 era ,the main route for me was Tilehurst.Quite enjoyed the job except the sudden stop start,bit harsh.Was looking for photo's for the last run as I was on it....

[@robertrogers564]

Really enjoyed the video Boggles, I was born and lived in Walthamsrow untill 1970 we had trolly buses running along black horse rd untill about 1960. Returning from a very late running steam trip to Weymouth from Birmingham on 5/9/1965 ( joining& alighting at Reading) I had to walk from West to General station at about 22-30 to get back to Paddington and eventually home to my amazement I saw trolly buses running around the town.Sorry for rambling on a bit.

[@johnbristow8099]

Interesting to see the last day of the trolleys as I was there (mostly at Tilehurst).

[@Herne72]

Great footage 👍😁

[@vodaploda]

I was only born in 1964 but have memories of trolleybuses in 'old Reading'..thanks

[@MikeGMcDermott]

Also of interest in this video as well as the superb Reading Corporation trolleybuses is the former X-Way crossing which was the forerunner to the Pelican crossing from 1969. The only difference being that the X-Way crossings had a white cross in the traffic light lens where the green light would normally be.

[@milanterzic859]

I remember them. I was sad when they were withdrawn.

[@Steven_Rowe]

Great quality footage.
I would rather focus on what is geat about the video rather than moan and whinge like others regarding music.
The last scene is curious with the two trolley poles on different lines.
Can only think they did that simply for amusement purposes only.
Would have made a geat blooper if a trolley bus had come the other direction..
Living in London back then I remember the London Trolleybuses, dad often went to Reading so I would go so Icould ride a trolleybus once again.
Hard to believ it was 50 years ago.

[@DavidSelley49]

Agree with you about the great footage. It looks like the last scenes, reversing, battery turn etc. were performed for the camera on the last day, (or after). I have great childhood memories of the London trolley system, especially the Barking Road routes 567 and 665 and the Ilford SA classes on the 691 and 693.

[@robtyman4281]

Why did we ever get rid of them? ...the case to bring them back gets stronger with each passing year.

[@moskva_channel]

Eco-friendly, quiet, comfortable and cheap. Why UK dismantled all trolleybus systems???

[@twtwwtin]

10+++!

[@neilpsingleton]

N

[@adolfhelmet6]

The music is crap and annoying!

[@Juscz]

The music is just fine.

[@ianthompson9201]

Imaginative music, for a change.

[@philipholt6184]

What do you want on instead rapping?

[@carlwalker1843]

You're right there the music spoils the video