Dublin & Ireland

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RE: Dublin & Ireland

(29/06/2024 20:05)Metroline1511 Wrote:  I did get to ride all Dublin Bus double-deck types, including examples of both Hybrid prototypes. Also GA Ireland Volvo B9TL, Volvo B5TL and Streetlite, all with GA Ireland moquette. Intriguingly, this moquette reminded me of ScotRail! Also 2 Bus Eireann Expressway coaches (from 2016 & 2021) and a local coach in Donegal from Marley's Coaches.

I also did a Translink coach from Dublin to Derry, and Foyle Metro Electroliners and Kites there.

I did see a Bus Eireann EA in Dublin, probably on driver training. Also a Dublin Bus Streetlite assisting with driver breaks at Eden Quay.

Back in Dublin I rode the Luas extension to Broombridge and the reopened Phoenix Tunnel rail link. I think some 29000 trains had been refurbished.

You covered a lot! I hope that you had a good visit and got to do at least some of what you wanted to do.
Yes some of the 29000s have undergone refurbishment. I know this is not the train section, but in summary they are used mostly on commuter services in the Dublin area but also find themselves going to Rosslare and Sligo and even Belfast on rare occassions. They are fairly reliable and that is their downfall, the fleet is stretched and overhauls are not possible as they need most sets in service. The floors have been giving problems and apparently one set got a major overhaul in Inchicore looking at this issue in particular. New Passenger Info Screens are getting installed at present and the seats are getting redone, the seats were very flat with little cushion left.