Dublin Bus Phibsboro Garage RV 448 on route 172 Saturday 3/1/09
There has been a few features on irishbuses.com over the years featuring this unique & charming route, steeped in history, originally known to Dubliners as the 72 before making a come back in the 90's.
In 2009, RV 448 is working the route on a typical Saturday afternoon. During the week, similiar Olympian RV 639, which is parked in Broadstone beside Phibsboro, operates the route, being the sole RV parked in Dublin Bus Broadstone, especially for route 172.
The terminus for route 172 is Dunard Estate, just off Blackhorse Avenue, close to Mc Kee Barracks. Route 172 was initially launched in December 1998, using Mercedes Benz 811D's with Eurocoach bodywork. In 1999, the route was extended in the City Centre to Kildare Street & rebranded as " Museumlink ", serving The National Museums of Ireland at Benburb Street & Kildare Street. Minibus ME 42 received a unique allover blue & green livery with " Museumlink " branding. When ME 42 was withdrawn at Phibsboro, the route reverted to double decker operation & usually was allocated one of the elderly Olympians from the batch ( RH 111- 125 ).
As 2009 begins, the future of route 172 is in doubt, following an overall review of Dublin Bus routes, especially those with poor patronage such as the 172. Route 72 became the 172, will it be reborn again ?
