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In 2007,Bus Eireann placed an order for 48 Wright Eclipse Urban/Volvo B7LRE veichles,under the Transport 21 programme.Deliveries began in May 2007 with Stock Buses (VWL145-157),and ordered ones to come from September/October 2007 (VWL158-193).The buses were envisioned to expand services in Cork,Waterford,Limerick & Galway.

VWL170 is seen here at the Glenthorn Terminus of Cork City route 12 on March 8th 2008.170 is part of the second batch,and part of Cork's VWL158/159/166-177 batch of the Type.

Additional views of VWL170.Although the new VWL's are arriving for expansion,Cork & Waterford (where most of the early stock buses are now located) have mostly used them as replacements,with VW1-9,Cork's first Wright Citybuses from 1997,being cascaded elsewhere for Schoolswork.

Waterford's VWL's have displaced DPC101-111 to regional service,to oust the remaining ME/ML in City & Town service.

Internal Views of VWL170.The 07/08 VWL veichles differ slightly from earlier Eclipse VWL's (VWL120-144),in that they have an emergency exit halfway down the veichle,different seat decor and a full length back window,with 2 extra seats.

The 12 itself is a windy route.Leaving Merchants' Quay,it then operates via Mc Curtain Street,Summerhill North,The Glen,Blackpool,the main area in the picture above,and into Glenthorn estate.

This accross view of VWL172 in Bishopstown on the Same Day shows the body difference.The New VWL's are also painted in the new "colorful" Bus Eireann livery.The picture below of VWL169 Passing 2002 built VWL127 shows,at least a part of the livery difference.

The other noticeable difference is the City branding on the veichles,in both English (Cork) and Gaeilge (Corcaigh).

As well as Citybuses,Cork also recieved a number of new coaches,and ones from other depots call there daily.Galway's SP100,seen here leaving Cork for Galway on Expressway 51 and Cork Based SC227,seen at Cork Airport,are 2 examples,both also wheelchair accessable.

All in all it's a prime example of needed investment into the system.Cork indeed used one,VWL177,to start a new Route 10A,from South Mall to Mahon Point via Boreenmanna Road.With Waterford , Galway & Limerick having recieved large batches, it's a good sign for the times ahead.

Bus Eireann Cork Route 12 timetable

Press Announcement of New VWL order

New VWL Pics on Fred's Transport Photos