Photograph details

© Transport for London
Collection of London Transport Museum
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SA-class trolleybus, no 1722. Lower deck interior view looking towards the front. The female Second World War conductor is issuing a ticket to a male passenger; the driver can be seen in his cab. To comply with blackout regulations, the windows are fitted with half-blinds, and the light bulbs are enclosed in funnel-shaped shades. The SA-class was originally built for export to Durban, South Africa, and was introduced into London Transport service in November 1941.

Photographed by Topical Press, 4 Nov 1941

Image no: U33507

Inventory no: 1998/54579

20th Century London caption: This picture of the inside of an S.A.-class trolleybus was taken in November 1941, when they were first used in London. To the left of the shot, a screen marks an entrance that has been converted to seating to maximise passenger capacity. To comply with wartime Blackout regulations, the windows are fitted with half-blinds. The lights also have funnel-shaped shades to dim them. The S.A.-class was originally built for export to South Africa but, during the Second World War, they were diverted to London Transport use. Trolleybuses ran on electricity, so were useful at that time when petrol was scarce.

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