The press service of the Moscow Museum of Transport announces the complete revival of a classic 1970s ZiU-5D trolleybus. The restoration brings back a vehicle that once served the capital with dependable transport, and this remarkable achievement means the trolleybus will rejoin city streets thirty years after its retirement from active duty. It will embark on regular guided tours along a specially designed route labeled “T,” a circulating line crafted by the museum to traverse the heart of Moscow, beginning at a central square where three stations are interlinked to form a compact loop for visitors and curious onlookers alike.
In the meticulous restoration, the structural frame underwent extensive work, with many frame and roof corrosion points carefully eliminated to restore rigidity and safety. The body trim was renewed, and the passenger compartment received a refreshed upholstery treatment, including new seats and upgraded wall and ceiling finishes. The overall result is a stylish, historically accurate interior that invites passengers to experience a nostalgic ride in a vehicle that embodies a bygone era of urban transport and engineering pride. This attention to detail ensures the trolleybus not only looks authentic but also feels comfortable for modern riders who step aboard for the experience.
The project is managed with a focus on preserving authenticity while meeting contemporary safety and reliability standards, and the restoration team coordinates closely with maintenance workshops to ensure ongoing upkeep that supports zero-runs for the exhibit, enabling the vehicle to operate safely on the designated tour route when required. Regular monitoring and care will be carried out by a professionally trained crew alongside the museum’s operational partners to keep the trolleybus in excellent condition as a living exhibit.
- Drive can be read in the contact section for more details about the route, the schedule, and the experience awaiting visitors who choose to join the journey aboard this iconic vehicle.
Source and photo: Moscow Transport Museum