The 123 Bus

cson

Why are these the only in the fleet [bar the stretch 4/4a's] that are single deck? I'm presuming it's because of a low bridge on that Marino route or failing that; to keep scummers on one level so its easier to throw them out if needed?

From my misty eyed childhood I seem to remember the same route being run on Merc Minibuses called the City Imp. :pac:

Ham'nd'egger

cson wrote: »

Why are these the only in the fleet [bar the stretch 4/4a's] that are single deck? I'm presuming it's because of a low bridge on that Marino route or failing that; to keep scummers on one level so its easier to throw them out if needed?

From my misty eyed childhood I seem to remember the same route being run on Merc Minibuses called the City Imp. :pac:

There are actually several double deck buses on the 123 service.

cson

Hamndegger wrote: »

There are actually several double deck buses on the 123 service.

Really? Any I've seen have been the single deckers. Maybe it's a capacity issue?

Stevek101

The route was originally designed as a high frequency route where you could pick up passengers anywhere along the route (however, this feature was quickly removed) The Mercs you mentioned were perfect for this type of operation, especially around the Marino housing estates.

DB has moved from City Imp operations a good few years ago now but the route had to remain single decker due to it passing through St. James Hospital. The hospital had an issue with upper deck passengers being able to see into the windows. This issue has now been rectified and the use of double deckers is allowed.

With there being serious capacity issues with this route is in the process of it being converted to full double decker operations. The route will be moved to Clontarf garage with some small cuts to the timetable. The route change where buses inbound do not serve Marino estates may be also implemented in both directions.

Regarding single deckers and DB they will all be withdrawn fairly shortly. In particular the type that is currently used on the 123 & 150 should be fully withdraw by early next year, with the bendy buses following shortly after. DB have recently looked at taking a loan of some of Bus Éireann's newer single deck vehicles. However, this trail was unsuccessful.

Cookie_Monster

59 is regularly a single decker too.

Its funny, you rarely ever see DD on the continent, seem largely restricted to Dublin and the UK.

KC61

cson wrote: »

Why are these the only in the fleet [bar the stretch 4/4a's] that are single deck? I'm presuming it's because of a low bridge on that Marino route or failing that; to keep scummers on one level so its easier to throw them out if needed?

From my misty eyed childhood I seem to remember the same route being run on Merc Minibuses called the City Imp. :pac:

There are still single deck buses in operation on route 150 operated out of Ringsend, and routes 44b, 59, and 184 out of Donnybrook.

Stevek101 wrote: »

Regarding single deckers and DB they will all be withdrawn fairly shortly. In particular the type that is currently used on the 123 & 150 should be fully withdraw by early next year, with the bendy buses following shortly after. DB have recently looked at taking a loan of some of Bus Éireann's newer single deck vehicles. However, this trail was unsuccessful.

There will have to still be some single deck buses in Donnybrook to operate the 44b and possibly route 59.

Cookie_Monster

KC61 wrote: »

There will have to still be some single deck buses in Donnybrook to operate the 44b and possibly route 59.

59 runs DD frequently, I'd say about 25% of the runnings, so doubt it'll be an issue there.

Victor

KC61 wrote: »

There will have to still be some single deck buses in Donnybrook to operate the 44b and possibly route 59.

Are those the roads with the steepest hills?

KC61

That and roads totally unsuited to a double deck! Take a trip Victor and you'll find out! It is worth it just for the views alone - although the timetable is a bit restrictive.

Cookie_Monster

KC61 wrote: »

That and roads totally unsuited to a double deck! Take a trip Victor and you'll find out! It is worth it just for the views alone - although the timetable is a bit restrictive.

where on 59 is unsuitable, apart from the roundabout in Dalkey. But that is due to length rather than height?

unless you specifically meant 44b some of those roads are two narrow for cars, I'd hate to meet the bus on them!

Stevek101

The Bus Éireann single decker was trialled with the 44b in mind. Buses may have to be leased for the route.

snappieT

I would say that approx 1 in 4 route 123 services are double deckers (I get it twice a day), and these aren't reserved for peak hours, they are evenly distributed throughout the day. The last bus northbound is frequently a double decker (which seems wasteful).

The 20B runs a very occasional single decker service too, and is always packed!

Most of the double deckers are the older RV class, the non-low floor variety. Though I have occasionally seen one or two of the new VG class on there.

Cookie_Monster

the odd 46a used to be single decker too, just at the tail end of rush hour inbound. Some other outbound route finishing and it running back in. Dunno if still happens though, doubt it.

46 single decker frequently became a 46a at Foxrock too.

stop

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

the odd 46a used to be single decker too, just at the tail end of rush hour inbound. Some other outbound route finishing and it running back in. Dunno if still happens though, doubt it.

46 single decker frequently became a 46a at Foxrock too.

iirc that single decker 46a is a 44b that goes from Glencullen to Kilternan to n11 to town just with46a displayed

KC61

stop wrote: »

iirc that single decker 46a is a 44b that goes from Glencullen to Kilternan to n11 to town just with46a displayed

That bus no longer operates (it would seem from the timetable) after the last timetable change.