Kharkiv's only vintage trolleybus

In 2021, the historic ZiU-682G trolleybus was restored in Kharkiv. In 2021, it was used not only for sightseeing tours and commemorative events, but was also seen operating on Route 17. The trolleybus was repainted in its original color scheme, and the interior was also restored.

Photo: Ivan Ponomarenko, 2021

This particular ZiU-682G, numbered 346, was manufactured in 1991. The first prototype of this family of trolleybuses appeared in 1966, and mass production began in 1972 (a total of about 50,000 units were produced, the most numerous trolleybus model in the world).

Photo: Ivan Ponomarenko, 2021

Between 1972 and 2008, Kharkiv received 922 trolleybuses of this model series in various configurations, including 9 articulated models (ZiU-683).

Photo: Ivan Ponomarenko, 2020

Unfortunately, none of the other historic trolleybuses in Kharkiv have survived, even though trolleybus service in the city began in 1939.

Photo: Ivan Ponomarenko, 2020

The restored vintage trolleybus was damaged during Russian shelling of Kharkiv in 2022.