Trolley Bus Poles

Statement of Significance

The trolley bus poles in Stirling Highway have significant historic cultural heritage value. They are a remnant of a type of transport that no longer functions and, without recognition, it will be Information in danger of being lost. The poles are a reminder of the WA Government's move Loprovide a good public transport system in a rapidly expanding city during the Inter-War period. The expansion of transport services along Stirling Highway directly influenced the development of flat s and apartments on the highway.

Physical Description

These steel poles. presently painted light grey. extend through the City of Ned lands along Stirling Highway. They reduce in diameter In several steps in their height and did provide a relatively true base for the trolley bus service gr-id which extended to Claremont. One terminus was at Loeb Street. The capping on the posts has been removed and they are presently filled with all kinds of paraphernalia to provide power and lighting services. Many are ill poor condition, bent, out of plumb and in need of measures to arrest corrosion. The Trolley Bus Poles have the potential to be utilised in an interpretation of the former trolley bus service at both ends of the City of Nedlands, and to play a part in the street numbering and lighting, when power services are relocated underground. Groups of Trolley Buspoles (restored and enhanced) could also be used to mark entry statements in the Clty of Nedlands and could be used as banner standards.

History

Trolley buses were first introduced in WA in accordance with a trend in transport development noted in London during the 1930s. A trolley bus used power supplied overhead similar to trams but instead of running on tracks it had wheels like an ordinary bus. Trolley bus advantages. according to a 1936 West Australian article. included a silent, speedy, mobile and odourless operation with the extra advantage of being economical. One of the firsl trolley bus routes, after a trial in Leederville, was the Claremont Route along Stirling Highway. This service replaced the tramway in 1938 to make best economic lise of existing rolling stock and rails. The new system was not introduced without some opposition. The Nedlands Road Board preferred motor over trolley buses owing to their belief in the more efficient motor buses and the inconvenience of setting up the trolley bus system, One vehement detractor of the new system said that the introduction of unsightly poles and a mass of overhead wires would interfere with the beauty of Stirling Highway. However, despite much controversy, bitter arguments and a deputation to State Parliament, Nedlands protests went unheeded. The trolley buses atthe opening of the service were known as 'J' class and seated 38 people with a crush capacity of 58. The buses weighed 9.5 tons and were approximately 10metres long. IniriaJly the chassis were ordered from England for Canton in China but with the outbreak of World War II they were diverted to Australia. The bodies of the buses were then made by the WA Government Railway Workshops at Midland. Though the trolley bus service was popularly used, complaints of an inadequate service arose as early as Novembor 1938. During peak periods (when cheap 'workers' fares were available) the buses were overcrowded and many people werc left behind. Additional vehicles were deemed necessary to meet the needs. The trolley buses appeared to have given good service to the people along the Claremont Route until 1942. When war time restrictions caused petro I rationing, the number of people using pub Iic transport rose. This again created a peak hour scramble as well as dissatisfaction with the queuing system at the Perth Terminus. On 3 August 1959 the alterations to the approach roads to the Narrows Bridge created difficulties for the continuation of the Claremont trolley bus service and it was closed. For those with fond memories of the trolley bus. the only visible reminders of the quiet, smooth and quite fast vehicles are the grey-painted telescope construction trolley bus poles still flanking both side of the Stirling Highway today (1998).

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Fair to Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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