2024 - Update 2:

Donnybrook's AX646 is seen operating a 7B from Shankhill at its Mountjoy Square terminus on the 24th November 2023, its first departure after returning to service in Donnybrook (click on photo for larger version).

Another notable occurance missed at the end of 2023, given S-Spine and two new wraps, was Donnybrook's reintroduction of AX class buses. The AX class were due to re-enter service in Donnybrook at the launch of the S-Spine as the L25 and 74 was a significant PVR increase for Donnybrook, but with the hostilities in Dublin on Thursday 23rd November and damage to a number of buses, some of them entered service on Friday 24th November as per the photo above. As per Ringsend's and Harristown AXs, they aren't found out on the weekends, though no sooner had I wrote this about Ringsend last week, than Ringsend had both their AXs out yesterday (Saturday 27th January 2024) necessitating a small update to last week's post, so here's hoping Donnybrook follows and sends them out for a weekend.

The last AX, Donnybrook's AX648 is seen operating Route 11 on the Ballymun Road on the 22nd December 2023 (click on photo for larger version).

Donnybrook brought 7 AXs back into service namely AX638, 639, 641, 643, 645-648. Much like Ringsend they are shared around, though given the number of them you'll always find some of them operating between the peak hours. The 7s, 11, 15 and 54A are generally where they'll be found but they have been seen elsewhere especially at peak times. As with all the AXs they are on borrowed time, but have been for quite some time. With the EWs still having troubles, this class of buses approach their 18th year with Dublin Bus, a milestone they would have never been expected to reach (albeit the ones in service in Donnybrook arrived in December 2006 but for the most part did not enter service till late 2007).

Donnybrook's AX643 is seen operating Route 11 on O'Connell Street on the 22nd December 2023 (click on photo for larger version).