The launch of Route 151
Dublin's first new bus route of 2007 was launched on Sunday the 4th of March. The 151 also means that for the first time, the entire length of the South Clondalkin Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) is finally being utilised.
The new service has two main purposes - a more direct link from the districts of South/West Clondalkin to the city centre and from there on to the new railway station in the Docklands area, currently undergoing extensive regeneration.
Route 151 is just the beginning of the tangible benefits being provided for Dublin bus users as a result of Transport 21, the project name of the Irish Government's investment in public transport.
The first scheduled departure took place at 0830 from the terminus at Grange Castle Business Park, already home to established South Clondalkin routes 51B and 51C, courtesy of AX522 (above).
AX522 again, halfway along the route, on a rainy Crumlin Road.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the Crumlin Road heading towards Grange Castle, was the first bus from the Docklands Station, AX519 (above) which had departed at 0840.
AX522 at its final destination point on Upper Sheriff Street, directly opposite the Docklands Railway Station. Testament to the regeneration programme in this area of the city are the numerous construction cranes and apartment blocks which can be seen in the background.
2007 is set to be an interesting year for Dublin Bus and its customers, existing and new. The extra buses provided will see current services being strengthened and new ones implemented. Route 151 is just the start of things to come.
151 ROUTING: Grange Castle, New Nangor Road, Long Mile Road, Crumlin Road, Cork Street, Patrick Street, North Quays, O'Connell Bridge, International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), Docklands Station (Outbound return via D'Olier Street and Dame Street).
Other places of note which may benefit from the service are: Bawnogue, Cherrywood, Clondalkin Village, Parkwest and the Western Industrial Estate areas, Walkinstown, Crumlin Hospital, Dolphin's Barn and The Coombe Hospital.
Other features on this event are available on:
Craig's Buses,
Irish Buses .com and
Irish Decker .com.
March 2007