Opened on 1 April 1928 (1928-04-01),[1][2] it gradually replaced the Hastings tramway network, with the first route to be converted that from the Fishmarket to Hollington, East Sussex and the last, the circular route.

[4][b] By the standards of the various now-defunct trolleybus systems in the United Kingdom, the Hastings system was a moderately sized one, with a total of 10 routes, and a maximum fleet of 58 trolleybuses.

Maidstone & District Motor Services bought the Tramway Co. in November 1935, but didn't merge it until 1957.

The livery changed from brown to green after the takeover, but the 'Hastings Tramways' logo remained until 1957.

The remaining two, one of which was fitted with a diesel engine in 1959–60, are owned by the Hastings Trolleybus Restoration Group, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.