In Brno, they are planning the reconstruction of the vehicle depot and the construction of a trolleybus route for next year

Brno - The Brno Transport Company plans to launch two major construction projects next year. In the spring, the main work on the reconstruction of the depot in Slatina should begin to accommodate more trolleybuses and obtain the necessary workshop facilities. Construction of a new trolleybus line to the Černovická terasa industrial zone is also set to commence. In the case of Slatina, the transport company has announced a tender for the contractor, while for the Černovice line, the company is seeking permission for the project by the end of this year, said the company's spokesperson Hana Tomaštíková.

The reconstruction of the depot, which serves both buses and trolleybuses, is one of the key development projects. Its urgency increased even more since mid-last year when it was necessary to vacate the upper floor of the trolleybus depot in Komín overnight due to structural issues. Since then, some trolleybuses remain outside overnight, and some vehicles had to be relocated to Husovice. Thus, trolleybus operations are effectively in emergency mode.

The transport company aims to start preparatory work in Slatina in January, with construction beginning in the spring. "We anticipate completion by June 30, 2028. Construction work will be carried out in such a way that maximum use can be made of temporary bus parking outside the depot from March to September next year. Otherwise, work will continue during the operation of the depot," said Tomaštíková. The estimated cost is 1.2 billion crowns. In addition to space for covered parking and heavy maintenance, a new washing station and diagnostic hall for daily maintenance and servicing of trolleybuses will be created in Slatina. While currently, 43 vehicles can be parked in Slatina, the new capacity will allow for up to 75. Only after completion will it be possible to demolish the depot in Komín and build a new one.

The second major infrastructure investment will be the construction of a 4.5-kilometer-long trolleybus line that will serve the largest industrial zone in Brno. "In the first half of the year, we applied for permission for the project. We are currently communicating with the Transport and Energy Building Authority and are supplementing and adjusting the documentation. If no further comments arise, we should have project approval by the end of this year. We expect the construction to be completed by the middle of 2027," Tomaštíková said.

The construction of the trolleybus line is part of the strategy for electrifying selected bus lines. The bus route could be modified so that the buses on line 77 would be replaced by the trolleybus line 22. Connections that also serve the airport would be provided by partial trolleybuses capable of battery operation. "We are considering that partial trolleybuses could also replace the bus line to the airport E76," Tomaštíková added.

Construction of a new tram line to the Kamechy housing estate has also begun and is expected to open at the end of 2027.