In Memory of Kiev Trams:: Photo Galleries:: Kiev Cars:: 1701 — The First Low-Floor Trolleybus in Kiev

In Memory of Kiev Trams + Photo Gallery of Trams and Trolleybuses:: Photo Galleries:: Kiev Cars:: 1701 — The First Low-Floor Trolleybus in Kiev

1701 — THE FIRST LOW-FLOOR TROLLEYBUS IN KIEV

In 2003, city officials decided to undertake a serious step towards modernization of the electric transportation rolling stock. It was declared that samples of a low-floor tram and trolleybus would be purchased in Minsk, to be followed by the manufacturing of similar models in Kiev proper. As for the tram, that initiative, just like the vast majority of others, has surely remained on paper, but a trolleybus was indeed purchased, delivered to Depot #1, assigned number 1701, and put into service. As of December 2003, the newcomer has been to routes 2, 4, and 38.

The MAZ-103, manufactured by Minsk bus factory, is a semi-low-floor nonarticulated trolleybus. The forward and middle doors have no stairs; in the rear part where the engine is placed, the floor level rises gradually. This specimen has been assembled in Minsk, however, according to a cooperation agreement between MAZ and Kiev Electric Transportation Plant (KZET), in the future bodies will be delivered from Belorussia, while electric equipment is to be assembled at KZET. In anticipation of that, an emblem reading "MAZ-KZET" has been already attached to this machine. One should hope that plans will be put into practice and that the slogan "Modern means of transporation onto new routes", rendered in huge characters on board 1701, will be put to work.

In the hangar of Depot #1, in anticipation of official certification, assignment of a number, and start of service. The depot workers expressed their satisfaction with the machine, stating that by the price-quality ratio, it is clearly ahead of whatever Kiev has received before.
[26.05.2003]

The emblem on the front panel, meant to symbolize future joint activity by MAZ and KZET aimed at producing subsequent similar trolleybuses.
[26.05.2003]

The passenger compartment as viewed from the driver's cabin. In the rear part, the floor is seen to rise where the motor is situated.
[26.05.2003]

Having left the Lybidska Metro station terminus, the trolleybus is carrying passengers along route 2 towards Kibtsentr (Cybernetic Center).
[Boris Bakhteev, 10.07.2003]

At the same terminus, on the other side of the loop, this time on route 4 towards Teremki-2.
[Stefan Mashkevich, 01.09.2003]

The next series of pictures was taken on route 38, where the newcomer was reassigned a few days later. Ploschad Slavy (where trams ran not so long ago).
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

Ulitsa Kikvidze, "Hostel #4" stop.
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

Leaving that same stop towards the Vydubichi Metro station terminus.
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

The layover area at the intersection of Ul. Kikvidze and Zheleznodorozhnoe Shosse, near the old terminus of route 15. Also visible are cars 172 on route 38 and 146 on route 15.
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

As it often happens, taking pictures provokes some reciprocal interest on the part of electric transportation employees...
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

Same place, in the layover area...
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

... an taking a break from service.
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

A view of the passenger compartment from the rear door. A negative aspect of its being incompletely low-floor is that seats are not too conveniently situated. Nevertheless, judging by spontaneous feedback, the machine has become a favorite among passenegers as well as among employees. Here's to a quick advent of trolleybus 1702!
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]

© Stefan Mashkevich, 2003
Any usage of materials found herein requires explicit consent of the author and/or copyright holders as specified.
Last modified 7 December 2003

	In the hangar of Depot #1, in anticipation of official certification, assignment of a number, and start of service. The depot workers expressed their satisfaction with the machine, stating that by the price-quality ratio, it is clearly ahead of whatever Kiev has received before. [26.05.2003]
	The emblem on the front panel, meant to symbolize future joint activity by MAZ and KZET aimed at producing subsequent similar trolleybuses. [26.05.2003]
	The passenger compartment as viewed from the driver's cabin. In the rear part, the floor is seen to rise where the motor is situated. [26.05.2003]
	Having left the Lybidska Metro station terminus, the trolleybus is carrying passengers along route 2 towards Kibtsentr (Cybernetic Center). [Boris Bakhteev, 10.07.2003]
	At the same terminus, on the other side of the loop, this time on route 4 towards Teremki-2. [Stefan Mashkevich, 01.09.2003]
	The next series of pictures was taken on route 38, where the newcomer was reassigned a few days later. Ploschad Slavy (where trams ran not so long ago). [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	Ulitsa Kikvidze, "Hostel #4" stop. [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	Leaving that same stop towards the Vydubichi Metro station terminus. [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	The layover area at the intersection of Ul. Kikvidze and Zheleznodorozhnoe Shosse, near the old terminus of route 15. Also visible are cars 172 on route 38 and 146 on route 15. [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	As it often happens, taking pictures provokes some reciprocal interest on the part of electric transportation employees... [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	Same place, in the layover area... [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	... an taking a break from service. [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
	A view of the passenger compartment from the rear door. A negative aspect of its being incompletely low-floor is that seats are not too conveniently situated. Nevertheless, judging by spontaneous feedback, the machine has become a favorite among passenegers as well as among employees. Here's to a quick advent of trolleybus 1702! [Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]