From 1938 to 1973, Genoa was served by a more extensive system, which reached a maximum length of 26.6 km (17 mi) and eight routes in 1964.

Its trolleybus routes served only the central areas of the city, as opposed to the tram network, which stretched across Greater Genoa [it].

Service was operated by a newly built fleet of 20 Breda two-axle trolleybuses, of which three were available at the time of reopening[4] with delivery and acceptance of the remaining 17 taking place gradually through 1999.

Operation of the new trolleybus system was suspended from June 2000 to December 2002, for cut-and-cover tunnel construction for the Genoa Metro at Piazza De Ferrari.

Only a few months later, in May 2003, a four-year suspension of trolleybus service on the western part of the system, west of Piazza delle Fontane Marose in the city centre, began.