Bus Connects Phase 6A - Launch of the N2:
Go-Ahead's 11640, former Dublin Bus Phibsboro-based SG420, is seen operating the first N2 departure (0720am) from Heuston Station on the 29th September 2024. Note that the N2 is meant to depart at the stop prior to this, the former Airlink 747 stop, but no pole was in place and hence the bus pulled up the 145 stop (click on photo for larger version).
The N2 was launched on the 29th September 2024 operating between Heuston Station and Clontarf Station via Stoneybatter, Blackhorse Avenue, Ratoath Road, Broombridge Station, Old Finglas Road, Griffith Avenue and the Malahide Road. Alas an older announcement by TFI which indicated it would operate through the Phoenix Park did not materialise, the gates on the Ashtown side not big enough to accomodate a bus. In the phased plans of Bus Connects, it was originally to launch with the N4 and N6 but as it was a brand-new service unrelated to the 17A it was moved to Phase 6. Of note is that though it serves Broombridge Station, it doesn't loop into the interchange (40E terminus). At Heuston there are a number of onward connections, with Southern Orbital S2 continuing as an orbital southbound (though it would probably be best to switch at the quay end of Blackhall Place). At Clontarf Station, the former 104 and peak hour East Link Shuttle terminus is now a hive of activity with the addition of the N2, and also the N4 which has been going into Clontarf Station southbound since the 8th September.
Go-Ahead's 11645, former Dublin Bus Conyngham Road based SG428, is seen about to depart for Heuston Station at Clontarf Station on the 29th September 2024 (click on photo for larger version).
The N2 is a required route for Phase 6. Phase 6 relates to services operating on the Ballymun and Stillorgan Road corridors. With the changes, the N2 will be the only service along Griffith Avenue between Mobhi Road and Drumcondra Road, replacing the 13 along this section. These changes are scheduled for the end of November, but obviously Go-Ahead were in a position to launch the N2 in advance of the rest of the Phase 6 launch.
Go-Ahead's 11637, former Dublin Bus Phibsboro-based SG417, is seen operating the N2 up and over the narrow Broom Bridge on the 29th September 2024 (click on photo for larger version).
To operate these services, Go-Ahead have received 28 Volvo B5TL Wright Gemini 3 buses cascaded from Dublin Bus. These are formerly Harristown based SG374, SG375, formerly Donnybrook based SG386, SG387, SG580, formerly Phibsboro based SG414-SG424, formerly Conyngham Road based SG425-SG429, former Ringsend based SG432, SG437, formerly Clontarf based SG443 and finally formerly Summerhill SG444-SG446. These buses are numbered from 11630 to 11657 in the Go-Ahead fleet.
Harristown's SG411 operating Route N4 is seen passing Go-Ahead's 11637 operating New Route N2 at Clontarf Station on the 29th September 2024 (click on photo for larger version).