RM1986 wrote:
Dublin Commuter 07, in response to your post in today's observations about this, I see high spec EVs could be on the cards. Why didn't Dublin Bus opt for a higher spec VG for the Airlink, or why not have ordered similar spec VGs to the VWDs? From a passenger perspective, I see absolutely no problems with the VGs. I have been on some Airlinks, and including VG47 on the 123, and I saw nothing wrong with them. I have noticed though that the driving poisition seems to be mounted fairly high compared to other buses in the fleet, but this shouldn't be an issue. Perhaps it's to do with maintenance? I recall an article in a recent edition of Buses comparing engines of both an Enviro400 and a Gemini. It seems that different components in the Enviro400 engine are much easier to access than those of a Gemini and some parts are quicker to replace and fix in the Enviro 400 than in the Gemini. So it could all be down to this sort of thing?


The only way the engine would be different in the EVs is if they went for the ADL rather than the Volvo chassis, and that would be a major step backwards. The EV and VG/VWD are all Volvo B9TLs, so the engine, gearbox and chassis is the same in all of them.

I think it's a real pity that Dublin Bus has decided they don't like them - they must be one of the very few operators that doesn't like them!

I definitely don't think there will be a high spec EV ordered - it's not Dublin Bus's style to order things like bonded glazing, bucket seats etc.

The Wrightbus name is synonomus with quality - as citybuses go, nothing comes close to being as rattle free and robust as anything with a Wrightbus body. While other bus designs will be in bits after a few years pounding up and down Cork's hills, a Wrightbus will feel almost as good as new after 11 or 12 years on the road here. The structure of the body will be perfect, there won't be too many rattles and everything will still work. You get what you pay for and all that!