In the relevant section of the common route, the overhead wire voltage is only 600 V DC, as is the rest of the trolleybus system.

In Riethüsli, the terminus of Line 5, there is an interchange station for changing between the trolleybus system and the electrically operated Appenzell–St.

Before the opening of the Ruckhalde Tunnel and rerouting of the line in 2018, the two systems used common overhead catenary poles at that station and suspension wires for about 300 m (980 ft), but were electrically isolated from each other.

The original group numbered 101–118, the fleet that opened the system in 1950, were rebodied by Hess between 1968 and 1975[3][6] and fitted with a new backup battery.

Fourteen years after its entry into service, it was lengthened into a bi-articulated vehicle, by the addition of a second, low-floor, trailing segment.

However, due to technical problems with the prototype, it was decided instead to purchase the seven brand-new bi-articulated trolleybuses, nos.