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VT20 on the 11:

This week saw the delivery of VT20, to complete the batch of new Tri-Axle deckers, VT1 to 20 to Donnybrook Garage. The VT class are Alexander Dennis built Enviro 500 low floor tri axle double decker buses.

On Saturday 11^th February, with thanks to Donnybrook driver Tony Cooney, VT20 made an appearance on the 11 route between Wadelai Park and Kilmacud.

The VT’s have an overall capacity of 123, with 91 seats (57 upper, 35 lower or 34 with 1 wheelchair passenger) and 27 standing downstairs.

VT20 is seen here at the Wadelai Park terminus of the 11. Despite the length (11.99 meters) of the vehicle the route was not an issue and was handled very well.

The loadings were adequate and the looks from people and drivers alike, as the VT thundered it’s was across the city on the 11 were also interesting.

ABOVE: Kilmacud terminus: VT Front to back

BELOW: Kilmacud terminus: VT Front

ABOVE: VT Rear to front.

The VT rear has a different layout with a high rear DMD and the Dublin Bus logo below it. The engine door also has the 'Enviro 500' name on it.

BELOW: VT Side shot.

The VT’s are single door, air conditioned buses with bonded glazing on the windows. They also feature standard DMD’s to the front and rear, and a new addition is a DMD at the side showing both route number and destination/via point also.

The 11 route is normally operated by low floor Volvo B7TL ALX400 AV class buses from Donnybrook. AV74 is seen here beside VT20 at the Kilmacud terminus.

AV81 is also seen at the Kilmacud terminus, in position to head off to Wadelai Park. A couple of years ago AV81 was the trial bus for illuminating ad frames.

All photos taken 11th Feb. 2006.

Our thanks for this feature go to Tony Cooney. Thanks Tony for all the help.

For more information on the ALX400 & the Enviro 500 visit the Alexander Dennis website by clicking here.

For more information on the 11 route and Dublin Bus, click here.

To view our feature on VL's (Low Floor Volvo Ultra's) on the 11, click here.