Activists have called the trolleybus network a solution to Rostov-on-Don's environmental problems.

Developing a trolleybus network in Rostov-on-Don will solve the city's pressing air pollution problem and will not require significant investment, but private transport companies are lobbying against this mode of transport.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," a mass picket for the revival of trolleybus service was held in Rostov-on-Don on September 27. They recorded a video message to Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar asking him to purchase new vehicles and repair the overhead contact network.

The picket in Rostov-on-Don for the revival of trolleybus transport was coordinated with the authorities, Ilya Nazdrashov, one of the organizers, told the "Caucasian Knot."

"There were 10 participants, and everything was peaceful, calm, and friendly. Rostov Region Deputy Minister of Transport Khristofor Yermashov and Director of the Department of Transport Konstantin Lashenko came out to meet us. The officials didn't make any promises, but I asked Yermashov when the trolleybuses would be purchased, and he said the matter was currently being considered. I also told him that, in addition to the purchase, it would also be necessary to acquire high-speed overhead line components such as switches and frogs, which would increase the average trolleybus speed to match that of buses. This would eliminate the trolleybus's low speed. Another drawback, which older models previously had—the inability to operate without connecting to the overhead line—has already been eliminated, as all modern models have an emergency autonomous run of five kilometers: they can disconnect only the receivers from the overhead line and bypass an accident or damaged section of the overhead line and continue on their way. "There are currently no disadvantages that would make this mode of transport worse than buses," he said. The activist cites environmental friendliness as the main advantage of trolleybuses, pointing out that Rostov-on-Don has very poor environmental conditions. "The main source of pollution is exhaust fumes from cars and buses, including those running on internal combustion engines. We conducted air quality measurements several years ago, and the results were disappointing. At the same time, the city has a well-developed trolleybus overhead line, and it would be a perfectly logical step to replace bus routes that duplicate trolleybus routes with trolleybuses directly where needed. For example, instead of bus number 65, we could extend a short section of overhead line to the terminal and run trolleybus route 6 there. This would improve the environmental situation. This is the main importance of replacing buses with trolleybuses," Ilya believes. He is confident that replacing trolleybuses with electric buses would be a big mistake. "Buying electric buses is irrational and impractical. Most of the electricity stored in their batteries will go to heating those batteries, because, as we know, battery capacity decreases in cold weather. The main drawback is that after seven years, the battery capacity of an electric bus decreases so much that it's no longer serviceable and will only need to be replaced, and the cost of a battery is equal to half the cost of the bus itself. This represents a huge expense. And if a city doesn't have a trillion-dollar budget like Moscow, but does have a well-developed overhead network, the most rational solution in this situation is to develop the trolleybus system, purchase new rolling stock, and modernize the overhead network. This is being done successfully in Russia, in Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, and neighboring Krasnodar," he noted. Updating and restoring the network will solve many problems, the activist is confident. "Routes 8, 12, and 10 need to be restored. They were cancelled in December 2023." "We had a so-called freezing rain in our city, which iced over the trolleybus wires and caused some breaks. However, for some reason, the director of the Municipal Transport and Transport Corporation (MUPRTK) at the time didn't bother to repair these breaks and simply stopped sending buses on these routes. Firstly, we have a shortage of buses for western routes. Secondly, as I already mentioned, these routes—trolleybus route 8, trolleybus route 12, and 10—are backed up by buses 4, 34, and 16, and these buses are diesel. So, nothing prevents us from purchasing trolleybuses and sending them on these routes," he concluded. Rostov activist Andrei Popov, who advocates for the development of the trolleybus network, also pointed out the greater reliability and efficiency of trolleybuses compared to electric buses. "Trolleybuses are cheaper than electric buses; their production is well-established, and they already have a contact network that only needs to be maintained and expanded. Electric buses are more expensive, more difficult to operate and maintain, and the issue of battery disposal is only just beginning to be addressed. Common sense dictates that we at least avoid burning bridges in an issue that affects so many people," he told the Caucasian Knot.

He reminded that the city administration's main goal is to provide the most convenient transportation network for residents at minimal cost. "First, we need to be able to easily get from one part of the city to another at any time of day, year, in any weather, and at a reasonable price. Trolleybuses are the simplest system for this solution. And a simple system is a reliable system. "There's no need to complicate the solution," he added.

A Rostov urbanist, who wished to remain anonymous, is also confident that trolleybuses are essential in areas where exhaust gas concentrations are critical to public health. "Trolleybuses are environmentally friendly transport; electric traction means zero emissions at the operating site, reduced noise pollution, and improved air quality. Furthermore, trolleybus infrastructure encourages orderly traffic—the overhead contact network establishes routes and disciplines traffic flows, which is especially important for historic city centers," he told the "Caucasian Knot."

While trolleybuses have many advantages, they also have disadvantages. "The main difference is their connection to the infrastructure via the overhead contact network, which is both a limitation and an advantage. Unlike buses, trolleybuses cannot arbitrarily change routes or avoid obstacles, but this guarantees the stability of the route network. Compared to trams, trolleybuses are more maneuverable and less expensive to build infrastructure for, requiring no rails. Unlike electric buses, they lack the need for expensive batteries and charging infrastructure—power is supplied continuously," the urbanist explained.

Nevertheless, he notes, trolleybuses are more economically viable in the long term. "Electric power is cheaper than diesel, has a service life of 15-20 years versus 7-10 for buses, and lower maintenance costs. For passengers, this means a more predictable and comfortable ride—a smooth ride, no vibration or fuel odor, and quiet operation. Socially, trolleybuses are important as a guaranteed municipal transport option with fixed fares, unlike commercial minibuses. "Maintaining the trolleybus network also supports local repair businesses and jobs," the specialist emphasized.

Residents want the trolleybus network restored, but the motor transport business is against trolleybuses, Rostov political scientist Dmitry Abrosimov pointed out.

"Trolleybuses are municipal transport; the city is their owner. Those who oppose trolleybuses from a business perspective are the lobby of so-called motor transport company managers; we even have several of them in the City Duma. They oppose trolleybuses and tram development. But both trams and trolleybuses are very popular modes of transportation for the public," he told the "Caucasian Knot."

According to him, the mayor is looking for solutions to this problem. "They are all economically unprofitable for the city. The current mayor is still looking for ways to make them profitable. Because the city maintains them at its own expense, and the equipment is all old and arrives after serving its time in Moscow. So, it turns out that the population supports it and wants it to exist, but the city understands that economically, it will all be subsidized. And transport businessmen, taking advantage of this factor, are also opposed to this phenomenon, because for them, it's a financial loss," the political scientist explained.

* Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.