In Memory of Kiev Trams + Photo Gallery of Trams and Trolleybuses:: Photo Galleries:: Kiev Cars:: MAZ — A Belorussian Novice on Kiev Routes

MAZ — A BELORUSSIAN NOVICE ON KIEV ROUTES

Part 1 (1701–1710)

[ 1, 2, 3 ]

The semi-low-floor MAZ-103T trolleybuses made their appearance in Kiev in 2003. Initially, there were plans for a joint Belorussian–Ukrainian production: vehicle bodies to be shipped from Belorussia, followed by the assembling of electrical equipment at KZET (Kiev Electric Transportation Factory). However, as if often happens, those good intentions never came true. In 2004, the KZET territory was sold; all that is presently done in Kiev is a minor tuneup of the trolleybuses before they enter service.

As of this writing (December 2004), all the MAZes belong to Depot No. 1. They have been given serial numbers from the 17** series, and one can find them on all the routes served by said depot (1, 2, 4, 11, 12, 14, 38, 42, 43).

There are rather contoversial impressions about the new vehicle. Seemingly, the maintenance staff liked it at first; but it is said that it is "too stuffed with electronics", rendering it less than reliable. The fact is, the MAZes are out of service more often than they should be, indeed; and when their manufacturer warranty expires, one fears that the situation will become worse still.

Be that as it may, the debut of low-floor trolleybuses in Kiev is a fait accompli. Here's to a successful continuation!

1701
At the Depot No. 1 hangar in the anticipation of assignment of a number and entrance into service
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.05.2003] 		At a transportation exhibition
[Nick S., 03.04.2004] 		On route 38 at Ploschad Slavy
[Kostj Kozlov, 13.07.2003]
1702
On Route 43 at Bulvar Druzhby Narodov
[Nick S., 04.07.2004] 		At Prospekt Vossoedineniya, with the tram tracks just lifted
[Nick S., 04.07.2004] 		At Ul. Saksaganskogo (route 14). Tram service was shut down here in order to fight traffic jams. No comments
[Stefan Mashkevich, 04.06.2004]
1703
Laying over at Zheleznodorozhnoe Shosse (route 38)
[Kostj Kozlov, 03.06.2004]
1704
Bulvar Lesi Ukrainki, near Pecherskiy Most (route 38)
[Stefan Mashkevich, 01.06.2004]
1705
On route 43; Bulvar Druzhby Narodov near the beginning of the Paton Bridge
[Nick S., 04.07.2004]
1706
Laying over at Zheleznodorozhnoe Shosse (route 38)
[Kostj Kozlov, 03.06.2004] 		At Prospekt Vossoedineniya (route 43). Trams run no more, but tracks are not lifted just yet...
[Nick S., 04.07.2004]
1707
At the Lybedskaya Metro Station terminus, route 4
[Stefan Mashkevich, 31.05.2004] 		Laying over at Zheleznodorozhnoe Shosse (route 38)
[Kostj Kozlov, 03.06.2004] 		At Pecherskiy Most (Bulvar Lesi Ukrainki), inbound (route 38)
[Stefan Mashkevich, 07.06.2004]
1708
At Ul. Saksaganskogo, short of Pankovskaya (route 14)
[Stefan Mashkevich, 05.06.2004]
1709
Leaving the turning loop at Vydubichi Metro Station, on route 38
[Kostj Kozlov, 03.06.2004]
1710
On route 38 at Ul. Kikvidze
[Kostj Kozlov, 03.06.2004] 		On route 43 on Bulvar Druzhby Narodov
[Nick S., 04.07.2004]

© Stefan Mashkevich and photographers, 2004
Any usage of materials found herein requires explicit consent of the author and/or copyright holders as specified.
Last modified 5 December 2004