Donnybrook based Volvo Olympian RV 496 ( 99 D 496 ) seen at route 44's outer terminus at Enniskerry Village in 2004.
Route 44 is on the tourist trail as sightseers can explore the foothills of the Dublin mountains, with its panoramic views enroute.
The terminus at Enniskerry is also close to the well known Powerscourt Gardens.
Batch RV 482 - 496 are usually allocated to routes 44 & 48A to Ballinteer, which are currently exclusively Olympian operated.
Nearside view of RV 496 in the old style Dublin Bus fleet colours, replaced in 2004 by a revised yellow & blue livery.
Some Donnybrook Olympians were fitted with new style ALEXANDER badges under the front light cluster as can been above on the nearside. Also retro fitted were smart front axle wheel embelishers.
Not alone did the retro fitting end at the front......the standard rear light clusters were also replaced by BMAC stylish LED's. Gradually the Donnybrook fleet of RV's & WV's are receiving these brighter & more reliable lights.
RV 326 & RV 496 were originally delivered to Dublin bus in two tone green & cream COASTAL TOURS livery, the first " new " buses delivered for tour duties. Both would operate the daily North & South Coast tours & when not required would see stints on mainly routes 14/14A.
These 2 Olympians were also fitted with wheelchair lifts, attached to the centre doors. The Olympian was never going to be a low floor because of its chassis designed in an era not ready for low floor bus technology, but it was an early attempt to solve the problem for wheelchair users access to public transport. Sadly, like Summerhill's similar ill fated RV 385, remembered more for the expensive conversion by Alexanders, these lifts were rarely used.
2 seats behind the centre doors were removed to accomadate a wheelchair & extra grab rails fitted alongside the window.
Interior view of RV 496 showing the wheelchair area behind the centre doors. Nowadays, this area is more used for standing passengers & luggage, as seats have not been retrofitted. The box to the left contained the various strapping to secure the wheelchair user.
RV 496 in its former glory days as a COASTAL TOURS Olympian
