Leyland Olympian RH operations came to an end at Phibsboro Garage on Thursday 15th September 2005 with the final RH withdrawn from scheduled services ( excluding City Tours ).
The final RH in service, RH 121 ( 91 D 10121 ) remained in service about one week more than the rest of its batch, RH 111- 125, as brand new ALX 400's were delivered from Alexander Dennis in Falkirk.
AV 445, the final AV in the batch for Phibsboro was delayed in delivery, so RH 121 was retained, mainly operating route 121 & 172 for the final few days.
Here is a feature on RH 121, taken on Saturday 10th September 2005 on route 172, just a few days before withdrawal.
Interior view of RH 121. This green trim dates back to 1981 when the Bombardier KD entered service for C.I.E replacing the previous blue coating.
The green trim was succeeded by a new lime green & grey trim with the Olympians delivered in 1993 onwards & now with Phibsboro & Summerhill RH's withdrawn, only RH 138-153 ( September 2005 ) remain with the green interiors.
Finally, RH 121 rests on Kildare Street in Dublin City Centre. Just behind RH 121 is the gates to Dail Eireann, home of the Irish Parliament.
Route 121 continues to be operated by the Olympian class at Phibsboro. With all the RH's now gone, popular favorites on the route range from RA 317 to 324 series, which are now the oldest Olympians left there.
Route 172 operates 7 days a week, using 1 bus & workout duties, with a driver change at Burgh Quay following the 12.50 from Kildare Street.
