Opened in 1954,[1] the system had progressively replaced the Lugano tramway network by 1959, and was significantly expanded between 1975 and 1981.

Initially, the Lugano system was made up only of routes converted from tramway lines.

The first trolleybus route, opened on 25 April 1954, ran from the centre of Lugano to Cinque Vie, which is located in a hilly area.

A year later another new section was opened: the route to Cornareda was extended to the new quarter of Pregassona, which is located on a hill above the city.

[2] Route 1's trolleybuses had been replaced by motorbuses a few weeks earlier, due to road construction.

[3] The same problem had also been cited several years earlier,[6] and by at least 1995 ACT had begun considering closure of the system.

101, 112, 124 and 126 were acquired by the Trolleybusverein Schweiz (Swiss Trolleybus Society) (TVS) for preservation, as was the FIAT catenary maintenance truck no.