BusConnects Dublin - Bus Network Changes Discussion

bk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123477377#Comment_123477377

There are systems that use radios to trigger traffic lights. Often used on buses, emergency vehicles, etc. Though I don't know if DB/GAI and DCC use such a system.

The bus drivers who go through Clontarf DART station most use some sort of remote or keyfob to activate the barriers on the road there.

rx8

Most of the lights or barriers are triggered by a sensor in the tarmac. The same as with most traffic lights in the city, only these ones are set deeper in the road so as normal cars don't trigger them. One I used quite a lot was on the green road beside The Square in Tallaght. Cars would be stuck for ages on a red light until a bus would come along to change the lights.

We don't have a remote or fob to change the lights.

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123477377#Comment_123477377

I really wouldn’t get too worried about those works - these sort of things generally can happen quickly enough once they are given the go ahead.

The current S2 routing does actually see the stops on the quays being used by a decent number of people connecting with the Navan Road routes - so it’s not all bad!!!

These sort of works really tend to gain momentum once an implementation date for the route is decided.

Incidentally, I saw a reference in DCC traffic documents recently to work to be carried out on Custom House Quay to allow westbound buses to turn right onto Beresford Place.

This would mean that the O wouldn’t have to cross the river twice (over Matt Talbot Bridge and Butt Bridge) when travelling anti-clockwise.

LXFlyer

Some good news from a fleet perspective is that the EWs that have been off service for the last few months due to software and other issues are now slowly returning to service looking at bustimes.

oliver_murray

Not sure if it has been posted here yet, but there have been some proposed changes to Phase 8 (D-spine) in relation to the axing of routes 68 / 69. This document was provided by a local councillor. Route 57 and 58 will replace the 68 / 69 and will be every 30 minutes for each route and will serve Newcastle - Mountjoy Square, and Rathcoole - Mountjoy Square via the quays. This is far better than the originally proposed L56 for Newcastle - Red cow which was only going to be hourly. It also still serves Clondalkin Village which the L56 wouldn't have served. I assume the NTA made these changes due to the new population growth in these areas and also potentially due to the protests in Bluebell/Inchicore.

BusGuy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123478370#Comment_123478370

That's good to see, could finally get things moving in terms of phase roll-outs.

PlatformNine

I have been trying to speculate on what might happen to the 12 Nitelink routes, as at the moment I don't believe there are any concrete plans to replace, modify, or even renumber them. As more 24h routes are launched larger sections of the nitelink could become redundant, not to mention the service on the routes would be much improved by being bidirectional and operating more days a week. The catch though (and something well discussed here) is that a number of the routes aren't completely replaced by 1 or even 2 spines.

I have been thinking the solution to many of the other routes could be to use non-spine radials? Even if it didn't operate as true 24hr services but ran on the nitelink schedules, some of the routes could be replaced. Especially since as the old routes are phased out, the Nitelink route numbers loose their meaning. The 42n is the best example I think, as assuming the H spine was made 24h (which I imagine would take priority over Nitelink changes), it could be replaced well by the 20. The 46n will be replaced by the spines except through Stepaside where the 88 could be used instead?

There are some exceptions, the 29n and 77n, that are almost completely replaced by a spine route. The 77n will be practically replaced by the D2 when the D-spine is introduced, and I am personally expecting it to get removed with the regular 77. And the 29n would be completely replaced by the H1 if it is every made 24h, although I am not sure there are currently any plans. Additionally The 7n, 49n, and 88n are very well covered and they may consider dropping the routes when the spines are introduced, although it isn't the best solution. The 7n would be pretty well covered between the E2, B3, and B4, however the farthest areas of dalkey could be a bit far. The 49n is mostly covered between the D, E, and F spines, although the partially orbital nature of the route could be an issue? The 88n between the E-spine, F-spine, and late night 109A services is well covered, however anyone trying to get to Ashbourne from Finglas or Phibsboro would have no other options.

The last 5 I think would be more difficult to replace. The 84n would be the easiest of the 5 to replace as it could be done with the L2 operating out of Bray, similar with both variants of the 33n and the L83 and L85 from the airport. However I feel that could have a poor user experience? The 69n, 31n, and 70n on the other hand would all require a multiple routes to replace and while that is an option, I am not sure if that is the preferred option over simply keeping the Nitelink routes as is.

What are other peoples thoughts on the future of the Nitelink routes? How likely is it that they would get replaced as the BC network is phased in? How would you replace or renumber them?

AX636

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123478370#Comment_123478370

Most got rewiring and few mod cons

PlatformNine

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481731#Comment_123481731

This does not suprise me at all considering the backlash from the drop in service for Bluebell/Inchicore. The improved service for Newcastle is also good to see.

The 53 change surpises me a bit however. It makes sense considering the change to the 58, but I am curious why they chose 97 and if there will be any changes to the route, or if it will be a simple renumbering. Also I am just being pedantic but I would have thought if they are renumbering the 53 that it would be an L route? Maybe L97?

oliver_murray

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481975#Comment_123481975

I do think that's quite interesting. Perhaps the NTA still views the 53/97 as a radial route since it originates in the centre and sort of has radial route? even if it is used more as a local route.

DaBluBoi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481731#Comment_123481731

Interesting. I wonder why 53 won't be merged with 58 and/or 57 and continue to act standalone as 97?

BusGuy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481895#Comment_123481895

At this point, if the NTA launch probably like I'd say 5-7 more 24h routes, then they'll consider replacing it, and at the end of the day, Nitelink buses, are less safer than any other route, but the 46n could easily be replaced for a 24h 74.

BusGuy

I can't explain too more as future phases will come.

BusGuy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481895#Comment_123481895

The thing is that the 84n could easily be replaced for the L14 and the L1, I mean the point for the 84 series routing is an expresso, and the key area that the 84 served is Bray, so…

The northern costal routes (77n, etc.) could be replaced by the H-spine. Most Nitelink buses start at D'olier street, just a couple of meters from O'Connell street, so the E2 could replace the city area of the 46n, and then the 74/L25 (if made 24/7) could take over the Dundrum bit.

The E1 is not really replacing too much routes, but if plans change the 88 southern bit could be cut off, and the 88 could be only be terminating at Dundrum, if the E1 is handy.

At the end of the day, the 46A is split into multiple pieces: E1, E2, and a bunch more of L and X routes. The people of Bray are served good enough, and they deserved these routes.

oliver_murray

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123482025#Comment_123482025

I guess as the 57/58 would have a combined frequency of every 15 mins, the NTA doesn’t think there would be enough demand for a route to the ferryport every 15 mins

p_haugh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481895#Comment_123481895

I will admit, the likes of the 46n is a nice capacity booster for the E-spine at the weekends. The 1:45am E2 usually goes past full to the brim yet the 2am 46n barely has anyone on it in comparison.

BusGuy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123482338#Comment_123482338

I guess people are starting to turn back on the Nitelink…

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481731#Comment_123481731

This is excellent news given the increased housing and business/industrial expansion in the areas served uniquely by the 68 & 69 - I did think that an hourly service was too infrequent and now the direct connection between the city with Peamount, Newcastle and Greenogue will be maintained.

PlatformNine

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123481988#Comment_123481988

That makes the most sense, but I am still surprised they are going to consider such a short route a radial. I think the it would easily be the shortest radial in the entire network at about 25 minutes start to finish? I know it wouldn't be the shortest route overall as some of the L routes ar eonl 10-15 minutes long, but I am not sure any of the Radials come close to being that short?

PlatformNine

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123482049#Comment_123482049

most likely, other the 29n which would need a 24h extension of the H-spine, I don't believe any could be replaced now anyways. Many of them cross several spines that aren't introduced yet. At the current rate my guess is the 77n will be the first to go when the D spine is introduced, as I personally don't see the reason for keeping it when the D2 exists (or if not the D2, they may do something similar to the C5/C6).

Pale Red

A couple of questions about Blanchardstown corridor outbound. Are the cottages opposite Cabra Garda Station going to be knocked to make room for bus lane? Are there any plans to create a few hundred metres of bus lane (prior to BC) between this cottages and the pedestrian lights - at present it serves as a free carpark for commuters (assuming residents use their driveways for their own cars). It seems like as easy win for PT.

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123482799#Comment_123482799

Also a shame that it's apparently not going to connect the ferry port with Heuston Station which the original route 58 would have done. The other drawback for the 53/97 is that the terminus on Talbot Street currently used by the 42, 43 and 53 is rather remote.

The difference in definition between a local and a radial route was that the local routes didn't serve the city centre. I know that the L91 breaks that rule, but I suspect that route will not happen as the 53a has not operated since before Covid - it nearly always carried thin air (it was supposed to link the communities in the Sheriff Street area with the Primary Care Centre at Summerhill).

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123483458#Comment_123483458

There is some land on the north side being acquired by CPO to allow an outbound bus lane.

Drawings here: https://blanchardstownscheme.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/06/Volume-1-General-Arrangement-Drawings-1.pdf

BusGuy

Just got info that electrification for Donnybrook is next year.

BusGuy

Currys did a decent job!

PlatformNine

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123483626#Comment_123483626

The connection to Heuston is a good point and does have me wondering two things. One, how likely is it they would renumber the route with no modifications? And two, if there are going to be differences between the 53 and 97, could one of them potentially be that it will be extended to Heuston?

Correct me if I am wrong, but one of the things they are trying to avoid with BC is having any routes be simply renumbered with no modfications? If they were to simply keep the 53 as is I think it would go against that and it's not like 53 is a taken number, so they would not be required to change to route number at all. Even if they only slightly modified the route, they seem to be fine with keeping the number (look at the new vs current 37). So perhaps part of the change from 53 to 97 is some route modifications or extensions? I think it would also better explain why it wouldn't be renumbers to an L route.

Also as far as the L routes go, L91 isn't the only odd one to me. I think the L13 is wierd and I am not sure why it isn't considered a radial route. I also would be surprised if the L91 was launched, at least with any of the spines that is. If it got launched I would almost expect it to be as part of a final post-spine phase if the demand just happened to be there.

hfjm20

Seen on the fleet list forum. Any idea when these are coming in?

devnull

What is the alcolock system? Is it something to do with alcohol? Also curious as to why you would remove this and a system that detects drowsiness, I assume these things were seen by the union as nannying, but I assume they were there in the first place for safety reasons?

mikeybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123487928#Comment_123487928

Breathlyser fitted to the bus. Bus won't start until driver blows negative. Matthews uses them.

https://youtu.be/6hoaP1L-qhk?si=mnuCe88QoZPrfxcj

Looks wide open to abuse

BusGuy

Does anyone know which Donnybrook PA has a broken right indicator that won't turn off?