Last Ride: Dublin Bus Route Closure

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Last Ride: Dublin Bus Route Closure - A Nostalgic Goodbye

Ugh, where do I even begin? This whole thing about the Dublin Bus Route 46 closure… it's hitting me harder than I thought it would. I mean, I'm not that sentimental, usually. But this route? This was my route. For years! Think of it, years of memories crammed onto those red double-deckers, every bump and swerve etched into my brain.

My Route 46 Story: From College to Career

Seriously, the 46 was my lifeline, especially back in college. Late nights studying at Trinity, fueled by lukewarm coffee and sheer panic before exams? The 46 was my chariot back to my cramped student digs. I vividly remember one particularly harrowing journey, crammed like a sardine, with a mountain of textbooks precariously balanced on my lap, and a dodgy takeaway curry threatening to explode. I even met my wife on the 46. It was a rainy Tuesday and she was reading a book on Irish Mythology which I commented on. The rest, as they say, is history. She always says I'm a sentimental fool.

Those early mornings, rushing to catch the bus to my first job...the 46 was always there, a constant, a friend, a rumbling red beast carrying me through thick and thin. It wasn't just transportation; it was a backdrop to my life, a silent witness to my triumphs and struggles. It's weird, right? Getting attached to a bus route?

The Inevitable End: Saying Goodbye to a Friend

But alas, all good things must come to an end. The announcement of the closure of the 46 route hit me like a ton of bricks. I admit, I was initially in denial. "They wouldn't actually close it," I thought, clinging to that foolish hope. But the posters went up, the official statements were released. It was real. My gut reaction was a combination of anger and sadness, mostly sadness.

I knew it was inevitable, with the changes to the city, improvements to the LUAS tram system and the evolving needs of Dublin’s public transport network. The numbers probably don't lie: less ridership, changing routes and the economics of running the service likely all factored into the decision. I understand the reasons, logically, but it still stings.

Practical Advice for Dealing with Route Closures (and Life’s Other Disappointments)

So what did I do? I did what any other heartbroken, slightly-unhinged bus enthusiast would do: I took one last ride. I took lots of last rides. It was like a mini pilgrimage for me.

Here's the thing: dealing with these kinds of changes is tough. But here's what I’ve learned from this (and other life disappointments):

• Embrace the nostalgia: Don't shy away from your feelings. Allow yourself to feel sad, angry, or whatever you're feeling. It’s okay to mourn the loss of something you valued.
• Plan ahead: Dublin Bus provides information about alternative routes. Check their website, use their app, or even just ask the driver for assistance. The 46 might be gone, but other routes exist and these are more efficient now than ever before, thanks to technology.
• Find the silver lining: Sometimes, change can lead to new opportunities. This could mean discovering new routes, exploring different parts of the city, or even just finding a new café on your commute. There's a whole city waiting to be explored!
• Share your memories: I've spent the last few weeks reminiscing with others about their experiences on the Route 46. Sharing these memories has helped me cope with the loss, and it's been surprisingly comforting.

Keyword optimization: Dublin Bus, Route 46, Bus Route Closure, Dublin public transport, LUAS, Dublin city, public transport changes, nostalgic, memories, route closure, alternative routes, coping with change.

The closure of the Route 46 marks the end of an era, for me at least. But the memories – those I'll cherish forever. And hey, maybe I'll even write a song about it someday. Who knows? Maybe even an Irish ballad. One can dream.