Trip to Bilston / Dudley 30-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4584	Bilston BS	Dudley BS	82	NX West Midlands
4594	Dudley BS	Wolverhampton BS	126	NX West Midlands
4146	Wolverhampton BS	Wednesfield, opp Chadsway School	59	NX West Midlands
2210	Wednesfield, opp Tithe Rd	Wolverhampton BS	57	Arriva Midlands
5405	Wolverhampton BS	Wednesfield, adj Lewis Grove	59	NX West Midlands
4032	Wednesfield, opp Lewis Grove	Wednesfield, adj Hall St	69	NX West Midlands
4592	Wednesfield, Church St (Stop WA)	Bilston BS	25	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Bilston. We had checked the weather and with the North of the country in the grips of hurricane Gertrude, we decided to travel Southwards. We gave Matthew a list of Midlands destinations, and from the list he chose Bilston. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and strawberry juice for breakfast. We set off just before 12:00 and we ran onto the A5035. We went West to the A34 where we saw First Potteries 65706, unusual power on the #10 to Hanley. We headed North and then turned left onto Whitmore Road. We briefly joined the A519 before going onto the Southbound M6. On the M6 going South we saw Johnsons YK15 OJH which was heading Northwards, and we caught up with Stagecoach Magicbus 54202 on a M11 service.

Stagecoach 54202 on the M6

We continued South, and we saw An unidentified Eastville Coaches coach and Astons AIG 5288. We came off the M6 at Junction 10, and we went Westwards along the A454 for around a mile, and then we joined the A463 Black Country route. At the Eastern end of Bilston we went North on the A41 and we then turned left onto Church Street where we parked up. We walked the hundred or so yards to the bus station and Matthew went to the toilet before we had dinner in the bus station cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. whilst we ate we saw Diamond Rotala 20002 and 20003 on the #23 Wednesbury to Portobello service. We also saw Coastal Liners ex First Dennis Trident V882 HBY on the #905 Wolverhampton to Mecca bingo service. There was also a Thandi Dart, Y152 NKL on a #334 to Walsall. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked out of the inside of the bus station. We immediately saw required National Express West Midlands 4584 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 4584 in Bilston interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this to the unexplored town of Dudley and he said yes. We got on the bus and we booked nBus Day Tickets at £4.80 each. We went upstairs and we sat down. As the rear of the bus was empty, Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4584.

Inside NX West Midlands 4584

The bus set off out of the bus station and we went Southwards onto the A41. We turned right onto loxdale Stree and over the tram line, going forwards onto Salop Street. We trundle through undulating housing estates full of near identical semi-detached houses and we went over the railway into Coseley. We crossed a dual carriageway and we saw a Northbound National Express coach. We went through a small village called Roseville and we traveled South again through yet another housing estate of semi-detached houses. Eventually we joined a main road and we went South-Westwards into Dudley town centre. It seemed like a quite small rural town, but when we turned into the bus station it was quite big. We Got up and got off the bus into this large open bus station with 20+ stands and several areas where buses were stood on layover. We decided to go and have a look around the bus station as we had never been before. Whilst there we saw required National Express West Midlands 4431 on a #205 service to Kingswinford.

NX West Midlands 4431 in Dudley bus station

At the other end of the bus station we saw required National Express West Midlands 4273 on layover in a designated area between stands.

NX West Midlands 4273 in Dudley bus station

The was another small parcel of land opposite to the bus station where buses were parked on layover. On layover were National Express West Midlands 2108 & double decker 4357.

NX West Midlands 4357 in Dudley bus station

After seeing the buses parked up adjacent to the bus station, we turned to see National Express West Midlands 1771 on a #313 service to walsall.

NX West Midlands 1771 in Dudley bus station

At the bottom end of the bus station we saw required National Express West Midlands 4192 on a #241 to Merry Hill.

NX West Midlands 4192 in Dudley bus station

Also on layover was required National Express West Midlands 4195.

NX West Midlands 4195 in Dudley bus station

We also saw required National Express West Midlands 841 on a #27A to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 841 in Dudley bus station

We walked back to the main entrance of the bus station and we looked at the departure board to see what we could catch. There was a #126 service to Wolverhampton that was very frequent, so we decided to walk over to stand R. On the way we saw required National Express West Midlands 4742 on a #87 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4742 in Dudley bus station

We stopped part way along to the stand and we saw Rotala Diamond 20844 which was on a #226 to Merry Hill.

Rotala Diamond 20844 in Dudley bus station

We sat down at Stand R and whilst we waited Matthew shared a Milky Way double bar we me and uncle Dave. A few minutes later the bus pulled onto the stand and it was required National Express West Midlands 4594 on the #126 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4594 in Dudley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The bus set off out of town and Northwards up Priory Road. At the end of Priory Road we turned left onto Birmingham New Road. The journey up to Wolverhampton was now pretty much straight up the road for around 4 miles. On the way up we passed National Express West Midlands 4139, 4142 & 4587 going the other way towards Birmingham. We entered the town centre and ran past the tram station and onto the ring road before entering the bus bus station off the roundabout. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4594.

Inside NX West Midlands 4594

We decided to visit the toilet at this point. On the way we popped out of the bus station as we saw Arriva Midlands 3750 departing on the #9 to Bridgenorth.

Arriva Midlands 3750 in Wolverhampton bus station

Afterwards Matthew went to the toilet and then we went into the East wing of the bus station to see what was about. We saw Arriva Midlands 3752 on a #8 to Telford and Arriva Midlands 2261 on a #50 to Wednesfield. We saw an older double decker on stand F so we went over to investigate. It was required National Express West Midlands 4146 on a #59 service to Ashmore Park.

NX West Midlands 4146 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Piers Row. We turned left into Tower street and right into Market Street before turning right again into Queen Street and back onto Piper Row. We went past the Slade Rooms and we joined the Northbound ring road for a few yards. We double back on ourselves before turning left into Wednesfield Way and going under the railway line. We carried on along a duel carriageway that had some well done graffiti on a wooden board on the Southern side of the road. After about a 1000 yard we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road. We went past New Cross Hospital and the bus emptied out a little. Matthew used the chance to take a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4146.

Inside NX West Midlands 4146

We left the main road and we went up Wednesfield High Street. We decided to get up and get off the bus once we had passed the High Street. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4146 as it carried on towards Ashmore Park.

NX West Midlands 4146 in Wednesfield

We walked up towards the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 2261 which we had seen leaving Wolverhampton earlier on the #50 into Wednesfield.

Arriva Midlands 2261 in Wednesfield

It was quite busy at this junction. We saw Arriva Midlands 2722 & 2734 on #71 services going either way, and we also saw Arriva Midlands 2550 on a #57 service to Bilston and National Express West Midlands 4132 & 4134 on #59 services. We decided we were going to catch the #69 service from Walsall to Wolverhampton which had a timetable at the stop. The bus was due at 15:36. At around that time the bus came around the corner and it was one of the early Volvo / Plaxton President double deckers that we wanted to catch, required National Express West Midlands 4072.

NX West Midlands 4072 in Wednesfield

Unfortunately the bus went sailing straight past. Although the stop had the #69 timetable on the board, the flag didn't have the #69 timetable on it. After a short walk around the corner it was obvious why that this was. The bus that came from around the corner had a second stop about 50 yards away. The bus stop that we were standing at was for bus approaching from straight down Wood End Road. After a quick look at those timetable on Lichfield Road, we decided to go back to where we were to wait for the next #57 which was booked to be an Arriva Midlands bus. We thought that it may be required Arriva Midlands Solo 2550 which we had seen going the other way. Whilst we waited for the bus to come Matthew ate a bag of Milky Way Stars. We saw the bus approaching and it was a Dennis Dart. AS it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 2210.

Arriva Midlands 2210 in Wednesfield

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off back down Wednesfield High Street and right onto Graisley Lane. There was a Centro Employ at the back of the bus who was surveying passengers who asked us where we were going to. I took the opportunity to let him know about the discrepancy between the bus stop flag and the timetable board on Lichfield Road, and he sent of an e-mail there and then to his boss! We weaved through the back streets on the other side of New Cross Hospital and we came back onto Wolverhampton Road at the junction with Wednesbury Way. We ran back into town along the dual carriageway and we crossed under the railway line. We crossed the ring road and we ran along the contraflow lane adjacent to the ring road that took us straight to the entrance of the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew didn't get a picture inside the Arriva Dart as the Centro employee stayed on the bus to continue surveying passengers. Once again we wanted to only spend a short time in the bus station. Across the way was branded double decker National Express West Midlands 4599 which was about to work it's usual #529 service bus service to Walsall via Willenhall.

NX West Midlands 4599 in Wolverhampton bus station

In the middle stands we saw required Arriva Midlands 2211 which was going to be working a #65 service to Fordhouses.

Arriva Midlands 2211 in Wolverhampton bus station

That bus wasn't due off for another 10 or so minutes, and it was due off another stand. There was another required bus on the #59... It was National Express West Midlands 5405.

NX West Midlands 5405 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do this bus and then we could catch a #25 from Wednesfield down to Bilston as the final bus of the day. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before going upstairs. The top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 5405.

Inside NX West Midlands 5405

The bus set off put of the bus station and took the route exactly the same as we had done when we were on National Express West Midlands 4146 earlier in the day. On Tower Street we saw Banga Travel YT51 EBA about to work the #545 to Bilston. We went through town and across the ring road onto Wednesfield Way. After we went under the railway line we passed Arriva Midlands 2703 coming the other way. We turned onto Wolverhampton Road and we went up Wednesfield High Street. This time we decided to get off the bus one stop further up around the corner and opposite to the stop for were the #59 & #69 actually stop at, just in case on of the older buses did turn up. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 5405 as it carried on towards Ashmore Park.

NX West Midlands 5405 in Wednesfield

As we were crossing the road we saw couple of buses approaching. One was a Y reg double decker on the #59 the other was a Plaxton President like we hoped! As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 4032.

NX West Midlands 4032 in Wednesfield

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We weren't going to be able to go to far on this bus as we had to get back to the High Street for the #25 down to Bilston. We stopped in the high Street to let off a few passengers. As the seat opposite was empty, Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4032.

Inside NX West Midlands 4032

We carried on around the corner and onto Wolverhampton Road before we got up and got off the bus. Matthew then took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4032 as it carried on towards Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4032 in Wednesfield

Once off the bus we went back towards the high Street. We were able to get a good view of the Guru Nanak Sikh temple which is quite a magnificent building. As we were crossing over the High Street we saw a bus approaching. It was required National Express West Midlands 4148 on the #25 to Pendeford.

NX West Midlands 4148 in Wednesfield

Once at the bus stop, we had less than 20 minutes to wait for the bus back to Bilston. Whilst we waited we saw required Arriva Midlands Solo 2550 for the 3rd time today on the #57.

Arriva Midlands 2550 in Wednesfield

A few minutes later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 4592.

NX West Midlands 4592 in Wednesfield

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver for the final time today. We went upstairs and the bus set off down the High Street. We turned left onto Alfred Squire Road and we went Eastwards. At Ashmore Lake we went South down Fibbersley and down towards Willenhall. We came into town from the West and we turned right onto Bilston Street. We traveled South-Westwards for around a mile and a half and then we turned left onto the A41 and into Bilston. We entered the bus station and we let the bus empty, before Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4592.

Inside NX West Midlands 4592

We got off the bus and Matthew used the toilet in the bus station. Whilst we waited for mum to bring the car around we went around the bus station to take a few more pictures. We saw Banga Travel Solo V252 JRR on the #545 to Wolverhampton.

Banga Travel V252 JRR in Bilston interchange

We also saw National Express West Midlands 817, which was on layover from the #43 West Bromwich service.

NX West Midlands 817 in Bilston interchange

We also saw required National Express West Midlands 4141 which was on a Dudley bound #82 service.

NX West Midlands 4141 in Bilston interchange

Mum turned up in the car and we walked over to her in parked up by the Market on Wood Street. She had of curse brought Greggs Sausage rolls which Matthew washed down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We Set off Eastward along the Black Country Route and we we went forwards onto the A454. We joined the Northbound M6 at junction 10 and we had a relatively quick quiet run up to junction 25 for Stoke. We went North up the A500 to Sideway and then we went Eastwards along the A50 towards Longton where we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. On the front row we saw Z Carz Volkswaggen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

The closest minibus on the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz taxi minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

We turned the corner into Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. In the foreground we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over the main road to go and get some fuel from the Tesco petrol station. After topping up we got back onto the A50 which we did up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we traveled through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road. We passed First Potteries 53123 on a #23A to hanley and First Potteries 43877 on a #22 to Longton. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:30. For a let tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 29-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Festival Park	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Festival Park	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67641	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been to his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 to find that it was raining. He got dressed and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

We got on the bus and sat down and the bus set off onto the A5035. We crossed over the railway line and into Trentham. We turned right into New Inn lane and right again into Pacific Drive. After we picked up another service user we headed back onto New Inn Lane and then onto the A5035. We turned left at Church Road and then we went Forwards onto Blurton Road through Blurton and into Heron Cross. As Station Bridge Road is closed for repairs, we turned right onto the A50 and then left onto the A50 Link Road. We turned left onto City Road and left again onto Glebedale Road and to our destination. Instead of the usual morning in the sensory room, Matthew was going bowling. We climbed aboard Shelton Care Group minibus DV10 JCU. We set off out of Glebdale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 116. At Joiners Square we carried on straight onto Lichfield Street before going left onto Regent Street. We carried on forwards onto College Road and right onto Wellesley Street. At snow hill we went forwards onto Shelton Old Road and then stopped at the unit in Shelton. After picking someone up we returned to Snow hill and we went up onto the Hanley Ring Road. We went around town and we turned onto Town Road and headed out towards Sneyd Green. We stopped at central Forrest Park. Matthew had a can of Coke and used the toilet. When it was time to go we carried on to Festival Park. We got back onto the A5272 and we saw Copeland's Tours MIB 278. At the A53 we turned left and we went through Cobridge and to the Etruria Road roundabout we we turned right into Festival Park before going left at the next roundabout to go bowling. After we parked up we went in and Matthew went to the toilet. We played a few game of bowling and then we returned to the minibus Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. The bus set off out of Festival Park and under the A53 onto Etruria Road and we saw Firs Potteries 53405 on a #27 to Packmoor. We turned right onto the Hanley Ring Road and we saw Routemaster Buses X616 JCS on the #79 to Nantwich. We went down Lichfield Street to Joiners Square and we went straight across onto Victoria Road. Half we up we stopped to pick up some dinner from MacDonald, before carrying onto to the top of the road. we turned sharp right onto City Road and we turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. For dinner Matthew had a burger and fries with a cup of Coke. After dinner it was time to go to the pub. For this journey we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and right onto City Road. We turned sharp left onto Victoria Road and we then continued down to the bottom of Victoria Road. At Joiners Square we crossed over the roundabout and onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63250 on a #6A to Hanley.

First Potteries 63250 in Joiners Square

We also saw First Potteries 63175 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63175 in Joiners Square

A short while later we also saw First Potteries 63176 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63176 in Joiners Square

We also saw Intercity silver minibus ND58 EDJ heading towards Hanley. Matthew listened to music on the Jukebox, and when it was time to go we climbed back aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off down Palmerston Street and onto the A52. we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the top we went forwards onto City Road and then onto the A50 Link Road. We went to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We went through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road before turning right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Finstock Avenue and then left onto Magdalen Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we crossed the railway line into Trentham. We turned right onto New Inn Lane and we stopped at the Man in Space. We then went into Pacific Drive and dropped off a service user before returning onto new Inn Lane and onto the A5035. Matthew got home around 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of orangeade whilst he waited for the time to go out and catch the bus. Today we went to catch the 16:26 to Newcastle. We set off on foot to the bus stop all the way onto Magdalen Road. I had seen the turn earlier in the day and it was booked to be dud First Potteries 67641. It turned the corner and as expected it was dud First Potteries 67641.

First Potteries 67641 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off and turned right onto the A5035. We noticed that the bus behind us was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Potteries 67641.

Inside First Potteries 67641

The bus was a dud one, but it was the first time we had been on this bus in the Potteries. We first had this bus from Droitwich to Bromsgrove on a #147 service back in December 2014. Further down the road we passed required First Potteries 67633 on a #22 to Longton. The bus went over the railway line into Trentham and we saw First Class silver minibus RO62 LTU. We turned right into new Inn Lane and we headed up the hill into Hanford. As we went down Church Lane we passed First Potteries 53064 on a #21 and First Potteries 53120 on a #21A in quick succession. At the Bottom of Church Lane we joined the A34 and we overtook First Potteries 65038 which was stopped whilst working towards Hanley on the #10 service. We crossed under the A500 into Trent Vale and we saw a blue Volkswaggen minibus WP10 ZHU near to the chip shop. As we passed London Road we saw Hanley's coach T368 AJF. We turned into harpfields Road and we passed required First Potteries 67637 on the last #22 turn. We also saw Paul's of Stokes' former Bullock's coach P482 HBA. we got of the bus and we missed the chance to get another picture. behind the bus was Newcastle School minibus HJ60 KXH. We walked back onto the A34 and we saw The Redeemed Christian Church of God minibus VN05 CKK parked in it's usual spot. By the time we got to the pub mum was already there. It was quite full today but we did manage to get a seat near to the window. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with ice cream. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses included ABC Supreme minibus N806 CRJ, First Class RO62 LTU again and First Potteries 65039 on a #10 to Stafford. After we had finished eating we went to the car and Matthew called uncle Dave to tell him we were on the way. We set off down the A34 and then went onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went Eastwards on the A50. We headed though Heron Cross and we went into Fenton. After picking uncle Dave up we went back up to Heron Cross and we saw Autocabs CA55 LST. We crossed the A50 into Blurton and we saw Intercity ND58 EDJ. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. We turned into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 18:00. Matthew then chilled out on his computer and had some Toffee cheesecake until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Cannock / Rugeley 23-01-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3718	Cannock BS	Hednesford BS	26	Arriva Midlands
2748	Hednesford BS	Cannock BS	19	Arriva Midlands
3740	Cannock BS	Penkridge, Opp Crown Bridge	75	Arriva Midlands
3721	Penkridge, Adj Crown Bridge	Cannock BS	75	Arriva Midlands
3702	Cannock BS	Rugeley BS	70	Arriva Midlands
2736	Rugeley BS	Cannock BS	70	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Cannock. We check the weather for the North West and Midlands, and it was for mild cloudy weather until around 17:00 when rain was due to move in from the West. We gave Matthew a choice of destination from the North West and Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Cannock Hi, thanks for this blog, i was having trouble finding out whether the 154 was national express west midlands or arriva, many thanks, cheers!. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and strawberry juice. We set off a fraction before 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We went over thr raiway line into Trentham and we conrinued down to the A34 where we went North. Turning left at Whitmore Road We then joined the A519 for a few hundred yards before going onto the South bound M6. Travelling down the M6 we saw several national Express coaches going Northwards... One of these was Selwyns YN10 FKP. We also saw a silver mini coach Passenger Plus+ with black and orange decals. We came off the M6 at the A5 and we went Eastwards to to Southern end of Cannock. We then we into town up the final Km or so along the A4601. At the top of the ringway we turned into the Multi-storey car park and we parked on the roof in one of the long stay spaces. Once we had parked up we went down to the shopping centre and Matthew used the toilet. We carried on through the shopping centre and we went to the The Copper Kettle cafe which overlooks the bus station. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst eating we saw required Arriva Midlands 3718 on the #25 Pye Green circular and national Express west Midlands 851 which was on the relatively new #154 service from Hednesford to Wolverhampton. We also saw plain white coach Happy Days Coaches H1 HDC arrive to pick up West Brom fans for their home match against Aston Villa. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked down to the bus station. As we entered the bus station we saw required Arriva Midlands 3721 on the #75 to Stafford and required Arriva Midlands 2748 on the #19 Cannock outer circular service.

Arriva Midlands 2748 in Cannock bus station

We also saw required Arriva Midlands 3718 now on the #26 Pye Green circular.

Arriva Midlands 3718 in Cannock bus station

We asked Matthew which of the buses he wanted to do and he chose Arriva Midlands 3718. We decided we were going to do this bus up to Hednesford. We got on the bus and we booked a Midlands Day Saver ticket for £6.20. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town eastwards and onto the A4601. We traveled North Eastwards parallel to the railway line before we turned left onto Crab Lane. We turned right onto Moss Road before we joined the main road, turning right onto Cannock Road. We crossed the roundabout and we continued North for another few hundred yards before we turned right onto Market Street and then left into Victoria Street where we decided to get up an off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3718.

Arriva Midlands 3718 in Hednesford bus station

We checked the timetable and we saw that there was a #19 service due in a few minutes followed by a #70 to Rugeley. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 850 arriving on the #154 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 850 in Hednesford bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 2748 on the #19 outer Cannock circular.

Arriva Midlands 2748 in Hednesford bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down to the roundabout and we turned around and headed back up Victoria Street. We turned left onto Market Street and then right onto Anglesey Street. At the end we turned left onto Stafford lane and we went across the roundabouts over the A460. We carried on Hill Stree and we traveled South for a round a thousand yards before we turned left into Langholm Drive. We wound trough the estate up to Wimblebury and we came back South onto Hednesford Road down Bank Street. On Hednesford Road we took the second left and went down Gorsemoor Road. We turned right onto Meadow Way and we went North up to and into Tesco. After turning around in Tesco we went South down Heath Way and right onto the A5190. At the A460 we turned right and headed South. After a few hundred yards we turned left into the Orbital Retail Park. We whizzed around the park and we came back onto the A460 further South. We joined the main road Junction to the South East of town where we saw an engineering train on the railway above. We then headed bcak into town up the A34 and along the Ringway before coming into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2748.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2748

We had a bit of a walk around now to see what buses were about We saw Arriva Midlands 3308 on a #1 service to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3308 in Cannock bus station

Coming into the bus station running out of service we saw required Arriva Midlands 2741.

Arriva Midlands 2741 in Cannock bus station

A bus came and parked up outside the bus station in the layby for bus parking. It was required Social Travel Dart Social Travel Y338 FJN on layover between runs on the #74 to Stafford.

Social Travel Y338 FJN in Cannock bus station

A few minutes later we saw required Arriva Midlands 3740 arrive about to work the next #75 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3740 before we sat down.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3740

We decided we were going to do the bus up to Penkridge. We set off out of the bus station and we traveled North up the A34. We went through Huntington and when we got to the edge of Cannock Chase we turned right onto Pottal Pool Road. We went West for a couple of miles and we crossed over the M6. We turned left into a housing estate and we went along Wolgarston Way. We turned right onto Vale Gardens and then forwards onto Filance Lane. We turned left into Francis Green Lane and the we paused for a few second to wait time. We then went left onto New Road and right onto Wolverhampton Road. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3740 before it carried on towards Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Penkridge

The bus back to Cannock was due in just a few minutes. We crossed the road and we tried the toilet which was locked. Almost immediately the bus turned up and it was required Arriva Midlands 3721.

Arriva Midlands 3721 in Penkridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off Southwards down Wolverhampton Road and we turned left into New Road. We whizzed around the estate and back onto Cannock Road. We carried on straight onto Pottal Pool Road and we went right onto the A34. We headed South through Huntington and down into town. When we got into Cannock bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3721.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3721

We were going to go to the toilet. On the way we stopped to photograph Select Bus Services Dart 1 which was on the #67 to Wolverhampton.

Select Bus Services 1 in Cannock bus station

We walked into the shopping centre and Matthew used the facilities. After we had finished we walked back into the bus station and we took a few pictures. We saw required Arriva Midlands 4201 come in on the #74 service and then go on layover.

Arriva Midlands 4201 in Cannock bus station

We also saw National Express West Midlands 853 on the #154 to Hednesford.

NX West Midlands 853 in Cannock bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva Midlands 3702 on the #70 to Rugeley.

Arriva Midlands 3702 in Cannock bus station

We decided to do this bus so we waited for the bus to start loading. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set out of the bus station and went North out of town onto Brunswick Road. At the end of Brunswick Road we turned right onto Old Fallow Road. At the double roundabout we veered left onto Huntington Terrace Road at the end of the road we turned right onto Belt Street. We joined onto Cannock Road and we headed North up to Market Street. We turned left onto Victoria Street and we stopped briefly in the bus station area. We joined the Northbound A460 and we continued for around 5 miles before going into Queensway. We whizzed around a small estate and we came back out of Queensway before continuing up the A460 into town. At the main roundabout we went straight ahead into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3702.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3702

As we came into the bus station we noticed a minibus parked up. We got off the bus and we walked over to the minibus which was William's Coaches MX08 NCA.

William's Coaches MX08 NCA in Rugeley bus station

We decided to got to the toilet straight away. The tardis toilet was closed so we walked over to the Burger King/Subway across the road. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we purchased a couple of medium portions of fries from Burger King.We walked back across to the bus station and we sat down and ate the fries between the three of us. Afterwards we walked into the market and we purchased £1's worth of pick and mix from the sweet stall. Back outside we saw required Arriva Midlands 2745 on the R1 free Tesco bus service.

Arriva Midlands 2745 in Rugeley bus station

We decided to go back across the road and visit the petrol station to get a few supply to stock up the trip bag. Matthew had a can of Coke and and a bottle of Irn Bru as well as some chocolate. After we had paid for the things we crossed back over the road. Back in the bus station we saw Arriva Midlands 3757 on a #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3757 in Rugeley bus station

A few minutes later the next #70 service to Wolverhampton cam into the bus station. It was required Arriva Midlands 2736.

Arriva Midlands 2736 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Midlands day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today. The bus sat in the bus station awaiting time. When it was time we set off out of the bus station and straight onto the A460. We turned left onto Queensway and we and we whizzed around the estate before returning onto the A460. We traveled South for 5 miles and we entered to up Victoria Street. We passed through the bus station and we joined the Southbound Cannock Road. At the roundabout we turned right onto Belt Street. We turned left onto Huntington Terrace Road. At the double roundabout we veered right onto Old Farrow Road and we turned left onto Brunswick Road. We came into town and we entered the bus station. The bus emptied and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2736.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2736

When we got back into the bus station mum was waiting for us. We walked through the shopping centre and matthew visited the toilets. We went down the escalator and out of the shopping centre and across to the stairs for the car park. We climbed the stairs and mum was waiting for us as she had taken the lift. Once we got out of the car we drove out of the the car park and we went West on the Ringway. At the roundabout we did a 180' and went back East on the Ringway and the we went down the A34. As we did the #19 earlier in the day we had seen a Sainsbury petrol station selling diesel at 97.7p. At the big roundabout we went North up the A460 and into the Orbital Retail Park and we stopped for some Diesel. Once we had toppd up we went back to the big roundabout and we joined the Westbound A460. We traveled West for a couple of miles before joining the Northbound M6. It was now raining quite hard and we drove up to junction 15 of the M6 before taking the Northbound A500. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton, where we came off to check out what was at Z Carz this evening. In the first row we saw Z Carz X599 WDY

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next to this was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

At the near end of the first row was Z Carz minibus BU04 GYW

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Closest minibus in the second row was Z Carz FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

At the back of the site we saw Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was parked up in the compound. At the front of the compound we saw Z Carz YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

Also in the compound was Z Carz Y569 DSF.

Z Carz Y569 DSF in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we went West to Heron Cross where we left the A50 and we went onto Blurton Road. We traveled up through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road before turning right into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 18:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out until bedtime around 01:00... Mark