Bus Eireann, Ireland's national bus company, launched a new service from Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin via Ratoath to Ashbourne on Monday 29th August 2005.
The service operates Monday to Saturday every two hours from 8 am leaving Ashbourne until the last departure from Blanchardstown at 7 pm.
Volvo B7R with Plaxton Prima body, VR 6 is seen operating the service soon after the introduction of the new route.
VR 6 is seen at The Blanchardstown Centre terminus for route 104.
Unlike the main bus & taxi interchange at the blue entrance, the terminus for the Bus Eireann 104 service is at the obscure perimeter road close to retail park number 1 between PC World/ Currys. There is also a Dublin Bus stop for the 237 here. At the time of the feature, there was no Bus Eireann stop at the location.
Interior view of the Plaxton Prima. Bus Eireann purchased 55 of these coaches in 2000 & were allocated to various garages around Ireland. Classified the VR class, they have a higher seating capacity at 57 rather than a standard coach of 53 & are mainly used on short distance commuter services.
VR 6 at Blanchardstown waiting for the 1 pm departure to Ashbourne.
Trip time to Ashbourne is about 35-40 minutes during the cross country trip passing through Fairhouse Racecource & the village of Ratoath.
Adult single fare is 2 euros, 1.50 for children.
VR 6 parked at the terminus in Ashbourne main street. Route 104 loops anticlockwise around Ashbourne outbound thus avoiding tricky u turns.
The service was well patronised on the way back to Blachardstown, especially with children going to make the most of the many shops at the centre.
During the week, a Mercedes 811D Leicester Carriage Builders " ML " minibus taken from the Navan Town Service batch is used to operate the service due to tight vehicle rostering at Broadstone, however on Saturdays a coach usually operates the service.
Bus Eireann route 104 at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
Bus Eireann route 104 at Ashbourne
This photo feature is dedicated to Mr Arnold Richardson, UK, who passed away November 10th 2005. Arnold was a renowned bus enthusiast who also operated PHOTOBUS, a vast photography collection, including thousands of Irish buses.
