Photo of the Week - Week 28:


Phibsborough's VT59 is seen on a rare operation of Route 16 on the Harold's Cross Road on the 15th July 2016.

Longitude comes but once a year, but it brings so many rarities. One of the most interesting allocations that has occured the past two years, has been VTs on Route 16. These tri-axle vehicles are the powerhouses of Dublin's bus network, their extra length being a source of much needed capacity on Dublin's busiest services. However, it is Route 16 that stands as an exception. Being the principle service to Dublin Airport it is one of the busiest routes, but has to make do with standard double-deckers, with luggage racks downstairs limiting capacity. How the extra capacity of the VTs would be of use.


Phibsborough's VT53 is seen on Route 16 turning from Harcourt Street to Harcourt Road on the 16th July 2016.


Phibsborough's VT64 is seen loading outside the George's Street Arcade on a ROute 16 service to Ballinteer on the 15th July 2016.

I guess there are two reasons that the 16 never received VT buses. Firtly Summerhill Garage is not the largest of Dublin's Bus Garages. Leonard's Corner is the other reason often quoted, the left turn from the South Circular Road to Clanbrassil Street Upper being notably tight. As shown in the photo below, the turning of this corner has been eased by removing the traffic island closest to the corner. VT57 below is seen taken the corner with a hard lock to the left.


Phibsborough's VT57 is seen turning at Leonard's Corner on Route 16 to Ballinteer on the 15th July 2016.

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