Wheeling In The Years 2008 by Patrick Losty

Click on any picture for a full-size version.

*   *   *  

Picture 1 – February 2008 1962 vintage AEC, Routemaster, Park Royal, RM 1185 (185 CLT/XYJ 427/ZV 36920) in ‘Dublin Coach’ AOA (All Over Advertisement) livery when photographed at the entrance to the ‘Quickpark’ car park located just a short distance from the Dublin Airport terminal. The AOA publicises ‘Dublin Coach’, a 16 times a day Setra S415HD coach service between Portlaoise and Dublin airport via the Red Cow Luas stop. RM 1185’s forty three year service in London came to an end on Friday, 28 October 2005 when the Arriva, Clapton Pond Garage (CT) operated route 38 (Victoria Station to Clapton Pond) lost its crew operated Routemasters in favour of Mercedes Citaro, bendy buses.

*   *   *  

Picture 2 – February 2008 Kiev, Ukraine based ‘Antonov Airlines’, 1987 vintage Antonov An-124-100 ‘Ruslan’ freighter, (UR-82009) prepares to line up on Dublin’s runway 28 loaded with Irish Army equipment including reconnaissance vehicles and trucks destined for peacekeeping duties in Chad. On 09/06/94 an identical Ukrainian An-124 (UR 82066) arrived in Dublin Airport carrying London, Ontario, Canada built General Motors (GM) 201 class locomotive (fleet number 201) for Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail), a 120 ton load which took a four fuel stop journey from Canada to Ireland and was and still is the heaviest load ever delivered to an Irish airport. The other thirty one GM ‘201’ class locomotives arrived in Ireland by ship.

*   *   *  

Picture 3 – March 2008 Skylink – Cork Airport Express yellow liveried air conditioned Mercedes, Eurocoach, minibus (06-C-16199) waiting to transport passengers from Cork Airport to Cork city centre. The fast and frequent link to Cork city (15 minute journey time) connects with major hotels, B+Bs and hostels. The € 5 one way, € 8 return service operates 7 days a week from 05:20 until 23:55. Two routes are offered, Route 1, via McCurtain Street and Route 2, via Western Road.

*   *   *  

Picture 4 – March 2008 Bus Eireann, Scania K310IB/Irizar Century, SC 227, (07-D-87197) operating the route 226, Cork City to Cork Airport. SC 227 was one a batch of 82 brand new SC’s introduced into Bus Eireann service in 2008, SC 201 (08-D-34768) to SC282 (08-D-60074). Scania L94/Irizar, SC’s already in service with Bus Eireann were 2001 registered, SC 1 (01-D-27572) to SC 27 (01-D-29902) and 2004 registered SC 28 (04-D-24969) to SC 72 (04-D-55597).

*   *   *  

Picture 5 – March 2008 Bus Eireann, Volvo B6BLE, Wright Eclipse Urban, VWL 170, (08-C-3820) was one of twenty seven brand new Bus Eireann specification VWL’s registered in 2008, VWL 166 (08-C-3812) to VWL 192 (08-G-1969), VWL 166 - 177 were allocated to Cork, VWL 178 - 184 to Limerick, VWL 185 - 192 to Galway. With the delivery of VWL 166 - 192, the 2007 delivery of VWL 145 (07-D-61807) - VWL 165 (07-D-86761) were reallocated: VWL 145 – 157 Waterford, VWL 158 – 159 Cork, VWL 160 – 163 Galway, VWL 164 – 165 Limerick.

*   *   *  

Picture 6 – March 2008 Bus Eireann, Cork, Cummins engined, Dennis, Plaxton Pointer (10.7m), DPC 32, (02-C-20217) photographed at Parnell Place, Cork. A total of 32 long wheel base (LWB), 10.7m DPC’s were delivered in: 2000 (21), DPC 1 (00-D-84187) to DPC 21 (00-D-91442) and in 2002 (11), DPC 22 (02-D-62203) to DPC 32 (02-C-20217). Also in 2002, 11 brand new short wheel base (SWB), 8.8m Cummins engined, Dennis, Plaxton Pointer, DPC 101, (02-D-18250) to DPC 111 (02-D-18262) were delivered.

*   *   *  

Picture 7 – March 2008 Bus Eireann, Cork, Volvo B10L, Wright Renown, VWL 125, (01-C-24481) loading up with passengers at the route 2 terminus at Parnell Place, Cork. VWL 125 was one of 25 VWL’s registered between the years 2001 to 2004, VWL 120 (01-C-3366) to VWL 144 (04-C-9601).

*   *   *  

Picture 8 – March 2008 Bus Eireann, ‘Eurolines Plus’ liveried, Scania K114/Irizar PB, tri-axle, SP 89, (06-D-59024) operating the 17:30 departure of the Eurolines 890 service/route Cork to London routing through Midleton, Youghal, Dungarvan, Waterford, New Ross with a scheduled arrival at Rosslare Harbour at 20:20. The coach then boards the Stena service across the Irish Sea arriving in Fishguard at 01:00, routing Cardiff, Bristol, Reading with a scheduled arrival time of 08:00 at London’s Victoria Coach Station. SP 89 was one of 60 brand new SP’s were bought/registered by Bus Eireann in 2006, SP 31 (06-D-20995) to SP 90 (06-D-59023), SP 89 and SP 90 are tri-axles.

*   *   *  

Picture 9 – March 2008 The Saint Patrick’s Day Festival held each year on the 17th March celebrates Ireland’s national patron Saint, Saint Patrick. Colourful parades are held throughout Ireland, the largest being held on the streets of Dublin. The parade would generally feature music bands from the Garda (Irish Police) and Army, marching bands from home and abroad (particularly the USA), large floats such as the Giant on the motorbike which featured in the 2008 parade and was photographed at the parades starting point on Parnell Square, Dublin.

*   *   *  

Picture 10 – March 2008 Brand new Bus Eireann, Scania K340EB/Irizar PB, SP 119, (08-D-22002) was one of the first coaches to feature the new ‘CIE Tours International’ livery. 30 brand new SPs were bought/registered by Bus Eireann in late 2007/2008, SP 91 (07-D-83510) to SP 120 (08-D-22001).

*   *   *  

Picture 11 – March 2008 Dublin Bus, Donnybrook, Volvo, Olympian, Alexander, RA 177 (94-D-177) in red/white driving school livery photographed while stopped on Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

*   *   *  

Picture 12 – April 2008 Pennyburn Garage, Derry, based Ulsterbus Ayats, Bravo AXI 315 (fleet number 2015) driven by Steve Baxter was photographed at the ITT (Irish Transport Trust) Bus and Coach Rally held at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra on 26 April, 2008.

*   *   *  

Picture 13 – April 2008 Des Willis’s ex. Dublin Bus, Conyngham Road, DAF engined, Leyland Atlantean, AN68, Vanhool, DF 839, (839 NIK) driven by David Carolan was photographed at the ITT (Irish Transport Trust) Bus and Coach Rally held at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra on 26 April, 2008. DF 839 was one of a batch of 238 (buff/tan liveried) Leyland, AN68, Atlanteans built by Vanhool/CIE at Spa Road, Inchicore between 1974 and 1979, all were withdrawn from service by 1995 except for some examples used for Dublin/Cork City Tour services.

*   *   *  

Picture 14 – April 2008 AEC, Routemaster, Park Royal, RM 406 (WLT 406) and RML 2453 (JJD 453 D), ex. Dublin Bus, Donnybrook, Volvo Olympian, Alexander, RA 255 (95-D-255) attended the ITT (Irish Transport Trust) Bus and Coach Rally held at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra on 26 April, 2008.

*   *   *  

Picture 15 – April 2008 Dublin Bus, Phibsboro, Volvo B9TL, Alexander Dennis (Falkirk) Enviro 500, VT 70, (07-D-70070), tri-axle, photographed at the ITT (Irish Transport Trust) Bus and Coach Rally held at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra on 26 April, 2008. VT 70 was the last one of the batch, VT 21 (07-D-70021) to VT 70 (07-D-70070), all delivered new to Phibsboro. Dublin Bus, Harristown, Alexander Dennis, Enviro 400, Volvo, EV 49 (07-D-30049) and Donnybrook’s Alexander Dennis, ALX 400, Volvo, AX 648 (06-D-30648) also participated in the rally.

*   *   *  

Picture 16 – April 2008 Des Willis’s ex. CIE/Bus Eireann, Cummins engined, Vanhool, Acron, CVH 29, (SI 2029) photographed on Georges Quay, Dublin after its journey from the ITT Bus and Coach Rally, Cultra. CVH 29 was one of a batch of 35 Belgian built hi-floor tour coaches delivered new to CIE in 1986 all in ‘CIE Tours International’ livery and were registered SI 2001 – SI 2035. The picture illustrates the CVH in the later highly acclaimed Bus Eireann red stripes livery. CVH 29 was delivered new to Waterford Garage in 1986 where it received ‘Direct Coach Service Daily - Dungarvan – Waterford – Carlow – Dublin’ branding on basic ‘CIE Tours International’ livery. In 1991 it moved to Limerick, then in 1993 to Sligo and in 1999 it became CVS 29 with the school transport fleet. It was sold to Des for preservation departing Ballina in April 2006 and stored until March 2008 when it received a full repaint by Ger Grant and was rallied at Cultra in April 2008.

*   *   *  

Picture 17 – June 2008 Broadstone based Volvo, Olympian, Alexander, RA 246 (95-D-246) in green/cream Dublin City Tour livery with a full load of tourists was photographed on Parkgate Street about to enter Dublin’s 1,752 acre Phoenix Park. RA 246 was delivered new to Summerhill Garage in August 1995 in green livery, in 1997 it moved to Phibsboro Garage, where it received an All Over Advertisement (AOA) for ‘Eircell – The Fastest Moving Network’, and in 2000 the AOA was updated to Eircell ‘Ready To Go Mobile Phones’ and was converted to open top Dublin City Tour configuration by 2003.

*   *   *  

Picture 18 – June 2008 The Victorian Carriage Company provided ‘The best eco-friendly tour of Dublin’ which offered a two horse and carriage tour of southside Georgian Dublin complete with period costume for its tour passengers. The tour departed St. Stephen’s Green routing along Merrion Square, Mount Street, Grand Canal, Leeson Street. The carriage was built in Poland in 2003 and was hauled by two Cork born (1999) Clydesdale roan coloured horses.

*   *   *  

Picture 19 – July 2008 Pennyburn, Derry based, Ulsterbus, Wright Gemini, Volvo B9TL, (OEZ 7258), fleet number 2258, parked outside the ‘City of Derry Airport’. The bus was only six months in service at the time of the photograph, having entered service brand new on 02/01/08. 15 of the type are allocated to the Derry area and are reserved for schools or occasional appearances on shorter distance express work such as route 234 from Derry to Coleraine and some weekend appearances on Derry city service work (Thanks to Steve Baxter for Derry text above).

*   *   *  

Picture 20 – July 2008 Brand new Bus Eireann, VDL/Berkhof Axial 50, DAF, LC 19, (08-D-21196) was photographed arriving in Foyle Street Bus Station, Derry having operated the route 33 from Dublin. LC 19 was one a batch of 49 brand new coaches introduced into Bus Eireann service during 2008, LC 1 (08-D-70603) to LC 30 (08-D-51925) and LC 201 (08-D-2918) to LC 219 (08-D-3022).

*   *   *  

Picture 21 – July 2008 Bus Eireann, Galway, Volvo B10M, Caetano Algarve II, VC 125 (98-D-10334) photographed in Foyle Street Bus Station, Derry loading up with passengers for the route 064 via Killybegs to Galway. 147 VCs were delivered to Bus Eireann between 1994 and 1998, VC 1 (94-D-23659) to VC 147 (98-D-15121).

*   *   *  

Picture 22 – July 2008 Lough Swilly operated ex. Ulsterbus Gardner powered, Leyland Tiger, Alexander, (NXI 4626) photographed in Foyle Street Bus Station, Derry operating the 12pm departure for Buncrana, Donegal, a 35 minute journey time to its destination.

*   *   *  

Picture 23 – July 2008 Pennyburn, Derry based, Ulsterbus Foyle, Scania L94UB, Wright Solar, (FXI 408) fleet number 2408 was photographed on Foyle Street, Derry operating the route FY 9. Thirty four of the type are based in Pennyburn which replaced Leyland Tigers, the registration FXI 408 belonged to Pennyburn based 1986 vintage Leyland Tiger. (Thanks to Steve Baxter for Derry text above).

*   *   *  

Picture 24 – July 2008 Metro, Short Strand, Belfast, Volvo B9TL, Transbus, (TCZ 9941) fleet number 2941 was photographed on Castle Junction/Castle Street, Belfast operating the route 5A. Deliveries of the 114 strong fleet of ALX400’s to Metro commenced in 2001, re-introducing the double decker once again onto the streets of Belfast. The Metro fleet is based in the Falls, Short Strand, Newtownabbey and Great Victoria Street garages. (Thanks to Steve Baxter for Belfast text above).

*   *   *  

Picture 25 – July 2008 Ulsterbus, Newtownards, Leyland Tiger, Alexander ‘N’ Type, (NXI 1189) fleet number 1189 was photographed departing Laganside Buscentre, Belfast operating the 17:40 route 7 to Millisle.

*   *   *  

Picture 26 – July 2008 Omagh based, Ulsterbus, Volvo B12B, Sunsundegui Sideral 2000, (REZ 9776) fleet number 1776, had only entered service some 3 months earlier on 15/04/08, when photographed departing Belfast Europa Buscentre operating the route 273 to Derry.

*   *   *  

Picture 27 – July 2008 Dublin Bus, Conyngham Road, Volvo B7LDD, Alexander ALX400, AV 361 (03-D-50361) was photographed on Aston Quay about to pass the Conyngham Road, Scania 113M/320, Towcar, (95-D-49445). The towcar had just been painted into the new Dublin Bus, navy/yellow livery a few weeks earlier from previous Cityswift livery.

*   *   *  

Picture 28 – July 2008 Dublin Bus, Phibsboro, Mercedes Benz 709D, Eurocoach, ME 21 (94-D-37021) in Ticketbus configuration photographed northbound on O’Connell Street. A total of four MEs are currently (2009) utilised for ticket sale duties particularly for Nitelink and Concert bus services, ME 21 Phibsboro, ME 22 Donnybrook, ME 26 Clontarf and ME 27 Summerhill. Notice the upgraded lightweight aluminium alloy bus stop in the background which were being installed in the central city area from early 2008. Manufactured and supplied by the UK based company, Trueform, they provide for the incorporation of real time information at a future date. The OA at top of bus stop are Point Letters which identify the bus stop location , O = O’Connell Street, A = first bus stop on O’Connell Street. Point Letters currently in use are: A = Aston Quay, C = Trinity, E = Eden Quay, N = Nassau Street, O = O’Connell Street, P = Parnell Square, = S = St. Stephen’s Green, (Thanks to Gavan Ward for bus stop information).

*   *   *  

Picture 29 – July 2008 Dublin’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Writers Bus Tour liveried, Prevost, (94-D-51450) photographed on O’Connell Street. The tour offers ‘an authentic 1 hour 15 minute panoramic and audiovisual experience’ highlighting a history of Irish music and artistry. Tours depart daily from Westmoreland Street.

*   *   *  

Picture 30 – August 2008 Dublin Bus, Donnybrook ex. Conyngham Road, Volvo, Olympian, Alexander, RA 302 (96-D-302) was photographed departing Parnell Square while taking part in the RA Farewell Day on 3 August 2008. Donnybrook’s RA 305 (96-D-305) and Driving School livered RA 176 (94-D-176) also took part on the day. The RA class evolved from the Leyland Olympian, Alexander, RH 1 (90-D-1001) – RH 175 (93-D-10175), the first Volvo Olympian was Donnybrook’s RA 176 (94-D-176), the last RA was Summerhill’s RA 325 (96-D-325), the RV class then followed on with RV 326 (97-D-326) to RV 640 (99-D-640). RA’s continued on in Dublin Bus service post August 2008 with the Driving School and on Dublin City Tour duties. Please see WITY 1996 for picture of brand new RA 302. Thanks to Barry, Kevin and Tony for driving the buses on the RA Farewell Day.

*   *   *  

Picture 31 – August 2008 Aircoach/First Ireland, operated LPG powered, low emission, low floor, DAF SB 220, East Lancs, ELC Mylennium, (99-D-88702) bus was photographed at the Parkgate Street/Heuston Station/Luas terminus of the newly introduced Office of Public Works (OPW) Phoenix Park Shuttle. A total of three ex-London Central/Go Ahead Group, New Cross Garage (NX) buses which were utilised on the route M1 & M2 to the London Millennium Dome were imported by First and are registered 99-D-88548/621/702. The Phoenix Park circular route operates every hour on the hour between 7am and 7pm, stops include Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, the Papal Cross, Farmleigh and St Mary’s Hospital.

*   *   *  

Picture 32 – August 2008 Donegal based John McGinley Luxury Coach Travel, 53 full leather seat, VIP coach, Jonckheere, Volvo B12M, (06-DL-6344) was photographed on Parnell Square at 09:15 having departed Crolly, Donegal at 04:30 on the Donegal to Dublin Express. The company offers full size 53 seat coaches (Jonckheere & Vanhool), 29 seat Mercedes mini-coach and 14 seat Mercedes mini-buses.

*   *   *  

Picture 33 – August 2008 Dublin Bus, Donnybrook, Volvo, Olympian, Alexander, RV 496 (99-D-496) was in pristine condition and perfectly scrolled when photographed on Dublin’s O’Connell Street while operating the route 14 to Ballinteer. Notice Donnybrook Garage’s superb attention to detail featuring full set of badging on the frontal area (Volvo grille badge, Alexander insignia) plus the chrome front wheel trims and clean front and rear wheel rims. RV 496 was withdrawn from service 12 months later (Summer 2009).

*   *   *  

Picture 34 – August 2008 Ex. Dublin Bus, Ringsend, Volvo, Olympian, Alexander, RA 299, (96-D-299) was withdrawn from Dublin Bus service by Spring 2008 and had been only been recently acquired by Gray Line and converted into open top for Dublin Sightseeing duties when photographed on Dublin’s O’Connell Street in August 2008.

*   *   *  

Picture 35 – August 2008 Donnybrook’s low floor Volvo B10L, Alexander Ultra, VL 3 (97-D-59003) photographed in Dun Laoghaire operating the route 111 from Loughlinstown to Dun Laoghaire. VL 3 was one of a batch of six buses, VL 1 – VL 4 (97-D-59001/4), VL 5 - VL 6 (98-D-2005/6), all based in Donnybrook Garage. Natural Gas powered VL 6 (98-D-2006) left the Donnybrook fleet in year 2000, the remaining five stayed in service until withdrawn in June 2009 with the exception of VL 1. In late 2007, VL 1 was converted into a mobile classroom with special exterior ‘The US Bus’ AOA livery which travels around the schools of Dublin educating pupils to care for and respect their bus (please see picture on WITY 2007). VL 2 to 5 were sold and shipped to McColls of Dumbarton, Scotland in August 2009.

*   *   *  

Picture 36 – August 2008 Dublin Bus, Donnybrook, Volvo, Olympian, Alexander, RV 489 (99-D-489) was photographed operating the 12:55 departure of the route 17 from Blackrock Dart Station to Rialto. Notice Dublin Bay and the Great South Wall in the background of the picture.

*   *   *  

Picture 37 – August 2008 Dublin Bus, Clontarf, Volvo B6BLE, Wright, Crusader, WV 44, (01-D-10044) photographed at the route 53A terminus on Alexandra Road in the heart of Dublin’s docklands.

*   *   *  

Picture 38 – September 2008 Brand new and unregistered MAN, Plaxton Centro, midi bus performed shuttle bus duties at Showbus 2008, held at Duxford, Cambridge, UK.

*   *   *  

Picture 39 – September 2008 Quickpark liveried Mercedes Benz, Citaro, (07-KE-2609) was photographed at Dublin Airport Arrivals area waiting to transfer arriving passengers to the Quickpark car park located just 5 minutes away. Creative Master Northcord produced a beautifully detailed 1.76 scale limited edition model of Quickpark livered Citaro bus, registration 07-KE-2610, released for sale in September 2009.

*   *   *  

Picture 40 – November 2008 Brand new and unregistered, Bus Eireann, VDL, Berkhof Axial 100, LD 222, (08-D-70061) was an exhibit at the Euro Bus Expo 2008 held at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, November 2008. LD 222 was one a batch of 32 brand new LD’s introduced into Bus Eireann service in 2009, LD 201 (08-D-57211) to LD 232 (08-D-70567), all based in Broadstone, primarily used on commuter routes into/out of Dublin.

*   *   *  

Picture 41 – November 2008 Brand new Alexander Dennis, Enviro 400H, boasting hybrid technology engine which proclaimed 30% less fuel and CO2 emissions was an exhibit at the Euro Bus Expo 2008 held at the NEC, Birmingham. Tfl (Transport for London) operate Enviro 400H models in the following locations: five with Metroline based in Cricklewood depot for route 16, five with London General based in Stockwell Depot for route 24, two with London United based in Hounslow Heath for route 482.

*   *   *  

Picture 42 – November 2008 National Express West Midlands, Mercedes O405N, (S 575 VUK) fleet no 1575 (Lea Hall Garage) was photographed operating the route 54 on Bull Street, Birmingham, UK. National Express West Midlands have over 1,700 buses providing services in Birmingham, Coventry, and the Black Country. Fleet is varied with Denis Trident, Dennis Enviro 400, Volvo ALX400, Volvo Wrights Gemini, Volvo Plaxton President, MCW Metrobus, Scania Omnicity.

*   *   *  

Picture 43 – November 2008 National Express West Midlands, MCW, Metrobus MK II A, (F 82 XOF) fleet no 3082 (Lea Hall Garage) was photographed operating the route 14A on Bull Street, Birmingham, UK.

*   *   *  

Picture 44 – November 2008 Dublin Fire Brigade, Dennis SS239, Carmichael, (93-D-44341/K 981 XOF) which is a reserve fire tender was photographed southbound on Dublin’s O’Connell Street with friendly waves from the fire crew.

*   *   *  

Picture 45 – November 2008 Aircoach, Setra S415HD (04-D-22821) in newly applied Vodafone ‘Share the Journey’, AOA livery was photographed picking up passengers on O’Connell Street destined for Dublin Airport.

*   *   *  

Picture 46 – November 2008 Brand new unregistered Aircoach/First Ireland liveried 14 metre, tri-axle, Volvo B12B, Jonckheere was an exhibit at the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (C.T.T.C), Coach & Bus 2008 exhibition held in RDS, Simmonscourt from 21 – 22 November 2008. The Volvo DH12E engine and i-shift gearbox, wheelchair lift, 53 leather seat, wi-fi equipped coaches serve Dublin Airport to/from Ballsbridge, Leopardstown, Greystones. Other Aircoach services offered using 49 seat, Setra S415HD coaches serve Dublin Airport to/from: Cork, Belfast. All Aircoach coaches are tracked using GPS satellite technology which intending passengers can access.

*   *   *  

Picture 47 – November 2008 Dublin Bus, Phibsboro, Volvo B9TL, Wright Gemini, VG 2, (08-D-70002), photographed when brand new in Broadstone. 50 brand new VGs were delivered in late 2008/2009, VG 1 (08-D-70001) to VG 50 (09-D-2149). VG 1 (08-D-70001) to VG 11 (08-D-70011) were allocated to Phibsboro (VG 9 & 10 Wedding livery), VG 12 (08-D-70012) to VG 33 (09-D-2122) were allocated to Harristown, VG 34 (09-D-2123) to VG 50 (09-D-2149) were allocated to Summerhill, VG 36 to 49 are in Airlink livery. VG 21 (08-D-70691) was the first VG with non matching registration number to fleet number, up to this time Dublin Bus/CIE buses since the 1960’s had matching fleet/number plates (except for 1987/88 registered MCW Metroriders MB 1 – MB 11). On 07/10/08, the Revenue Commissioners increased the reserved registration fee from € 315 to € 1,000 per reserved registration number thus making it too costly to continue with this 50 year CIE/Dublin Bus practice.

*   *   *  

Picture 48 – November 2008 Bus Eireann, Cork, Volvo B9TL, Wright Eclipse Gemini, VWD9, (08-C-22953), photographed when brand new in Broadstone. 10 brand new VWDs were delivered to Bus Eireann in late 2008, VWD 1 (08-D-69463) to VWD 10 (08-C-22955). VWD 1 (08-D-69464) to VWD 4 (08-D-69543) are allocated to Broadstone and VWD 5 (08-C-22948) to VWD 10 (08-C-22955) are allocated to Cork.

*   *   *  

Picture 49 – December 2008 Dublin Bus, Conyngham Road, Volvo B9TL, Alexander Dennis (Falkirk), EV 55, (08-D-30055), and EV 60 (08-D-30060) photographed in the garage shortly after entering service. 50 brand new EVs were delivered in late 2008, EV 51 (08-D-30051) to EV 100 (08-D-30100). EV 51 (08-D-30051) to EV 64 (08-D-30064) are allocated to Conyngham Road. EV 65 (08-D-30065) to EV 74 (08-D-30074) are allocated to Harristown, EV 75 (08-D-30075) to EV 89 (08-D-30089) are allocated to Clontarf, EV 90 (08-D-30090) to EV 100 (08-D-30100) are allocated to Donnybrook. EV 64, 88, 89 were delivered in white Wedding Bus livery.

*   *   *  

Picture 50 – December 2008 Dublin Bus, Summerhill, Wright hybrid diesel-electric, WH 1, (08-D-69001), photographed at the route 16 terminus at Santry shortly after entering service. WH 1 was launched into service on 15/12/08 by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey in Dublin Castle, the event was also attended by co-founder of the Wright Group, William Wright OBE, current Wright Group M.D., Mark Nooder and CIE Chairman, Dr. John Lynch. The three year trial (to 2012) is funded by the Irish Government’s ‘Transport 21’ Investment Programme. WH 1 features Siemens hybrid technology, lithium ion high-capacity batteries, a Ford 2.4 litre diesel engine. It is claimed that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by up to a third compared to regular diesel city buses plus less noise pollution.

*   *   *   *   *   *  

We hope you enjoyed this look back at 2008!
Click here for more editions of 'Wheeling In The Years'.

HOME PAGE