A project to link both towns was started in 1940, but problems during World War II, with the shortage of materials,
delayed the opening until 1952. The line was built along the N-420 main road only as a single overhead line,
placed in the centre of the road, with several passing loops but where necessay vehicles travelling towards
Reus always de-poled to allow the oncoming vehicle to pass.
The Depot was in Tarragona but the power supply only permitted 2 or 3 trolleybuses to operate at any one time.
On the suburban route extension to Torreforta [in Tarragona], the voltage supply went as low as 450 volts.
In the early 1970s the service was unable to cope with the increasing passenger numbers so the trolleybus service
was supplemented with second hand 'Pegaso Monotral 6035' buses. The trolleybus network was abandoned through the
lack of available spares for the existing fleet and the unavailability of a further source of cheap
trolleybuses.
The fleet was from several origins and there were 2 trailers to cope with peak traffic and 2 trolley lorries,
converted later to passenger service.
No vehicles have been preserved although the remains of the former depot still exists as a motor car showrooms.
Its location is just in front of the Tobaco building in Tarragona. |