1) It's not just "effete architects" who dislike overhead wires. Many people in a community don't like them either. I was surprised to read about a neighborhood in San Francisco opposing introduction of overhead wires for a new electric trolleybus line even though The City has many areas with overhead wires for streetcar, light rail transit and electric trolleybus routes.

2) It is a huge cost to maintain overhead electric wires. There is a good reason that electric trolley buses which where used in many American cities are now operated in just five of cities - Boston MA, Dayton OH, Philadelphia PA, San Francisco CA and Seattle WA.

3) Four electric trolley bus operators - in Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle are either currently operating or soon begin operating battery electric buses. Additionally, Vancouver BC, which has a very extensive electric trolleybus network is also taking delivery of battery electric buses.

4) The San Joaquin Regional Transit District bought Proterra battery electric buses for its bus rapid transit service in Stockton. Haven't heard of any problems with those buses and a quick Internet search did not generate any results showing that the RTD has any problems with those buses.

5) While Stockton is many things, I am not under the impression that it is a city which appeals to "effete architects."