The first purchase contracts for Chinese-developed alternating current (AC) trolleybus power systems were signed in the southern metropolis in mid January.

Yongji Xinshisu Electric Equipment Co Ltd, an affiliate of China's leading railroad company CNR, will make the delivery before October.

The deal is historic for the Xi'an-based company - the first exports its proprietary AC traction-drive systems - and for Hong Kong because it is the first time that all its trolleybus mechanical and electric transmission systems will be upgraded at the same time since they began service in 1904.

The upgrade is expected to reduce energy used by at least 30 percent.

Now there are 163 double-deck trolleybuses in service in Hong Kong.

(Source: China Daily)