Press releases

• …is displaying, in honor of European Mobility Week, the cover of a 1929 brochure on the “trolleybus system”—a hybrid of a bus and a streetcar.
• Jean Paul Goosens, an engineer from Aachen, wanted to implement the “trolleybus system”—which was already in use elsewhere—in Aachen. However, negotiations with the relevant authorities broke down.
• From September 16 to 22, Aachen and other European cities will be focusing on sustainable mobility as part of European Mobility Week (EMW).

The Aachen City Archives regularly selects interesting items from its collections to feature as the “Archival Item of the Month.” The item, accompanied by a brief description, is displayed in a showcase in the foyer of the City Archives on Reichsweg and featured digitally on the Archives’ website. In September 2026—to mark European Mobility Week from September 16 to 22—the featured item will be the cover page of a 1929 exposé on the “trolleybus system.” This year, too, European Mobility Week (EMW) in Aachen and other European municipalities will focus on the topic of sustainable mobility.

Various Technological Approaches to Local Public Transportation
: As a result of industrialization, Aachen had grown into a major city by the 19th century. In addition to other infrastructure that was built from the ground up during this era, a public transit system was needed to transport an ever-growing number of people to their workplaces, homes, and various errands. Various technological approaches were considered for the emerging networks: Horse-drawn transport was to be succeeded by systems powered by petrochemical fuels and electricity—and even a system powered by reacting chemicals was tested in Aachen.

The “trolleybus”—a hybrid of a bus and a
streetcarEven before World War I, a hybrid of a bus and a streetcar had emerged: the “trolleybus.” These were electric vehicles that drew their power from overhead wires. This allowed existing tram overhead line networks to be used for buses as well. Networks using this system are still in operation internationally today.

Jean Paul Goosens Promotes the “Trolleybus System” in Aachen
In 1929, Aachen-based engineer and entrepreneur Jean Paul Goosens (1881–1951) promoted the introduction of the “trolleybus system” in his hometown, which he also referred to as a “trackless overhead line tram.” As the founder of the J. P. Goossens & Co. railcar factory in Brand (founded in 1913; renamed J. P. Goossen, Lochner & Co. in 1917; acquired by Breslau-based Linke-Hofmann Werke AG in 1921), he possessed relevant business experience and offered a comprehensive package: “delivery, financing, and operation of complete trolleybus systems,” including “track equipment” and “technical consulting” with “profitability calculations” and “timetable planning.” Specifically, he envisioned a trolleybus line from Aachen to Alsdorf and on to Baesweiler. However, negotiations with, among others, what is now ASEAG regarding the implementation of the project failed.

One, Proposal, Four Vehicle Types, Up to 59 Seats
: The title page shown here, featuring an illustration of a trolleybus, served as Goossens’ proposal to establish himself in the German market. In it, he presents designs for four vehicle types: two-axle buses in small and large versions, as well as three-axle single- and double-deck vehicles, with total capacities ranging from 28 to 59 seats plus 10 to 15 standing spaces. Photos and photomontages illustrate the successful use of trolleybuses in British and American cities. Goosens explains that the introduction of the system was also being explored in Germany: “To that end, the first study trip to England took place under my leadership in July 1929 to inspect the operations in Ipswich, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Maidstone, and Hastings.” A report on the study trip, authored by three streetcar directors from Duisburg, Essen, and Düsseldorf, highlights the advantages of electric vehicles.

Many advantages, but climate protection is not yet a factor
. Compared to conventional streetcars, the report highlights the lower costs resulting from the elimination of track infrastructure, greater flexibility, the ability to integrate with rail transit, and legal advantages. Compared to gasoline-powered buses, the report highlighted the longer service life, greater operational reliability, increased interior space due to the absence of an engine, and silent, odorless operation. Added to this was independence from the international raw materials market thanks to “cheap electric power from domestic black and white coal.” Environmental sustainability and climate protection were not yet factors—especially since the system was still based on fossil fuels.

Sources:
Aachen City Archives, Mobility and Transportation Collection, SLG 102-1.

For more information on European Mobility Week: https://aachenbewegt.de/kalender