Trip to Birkenhead / New Brighton 30-04-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2515	Birkenhead BS	Liscard, nr Wallasey Road	409	Arriva North West & Wales
2454	Liscard, nr Belvidere Road	King's Parade, New Brighton	410	Arriva North West & Wales
4205	King's Parade, New Brighton	Birkenhead, nr Claughton Road	410	Arriva North West & Wales
2638	Birkenhead BS	King's Parade, New Brighton	411	Arriva North West & Wales
402	King's Parade, New Brighton	Liscard BS	10A	Avon Buses
2516	Liscard, Wallasey Road (Stop B)	Liscard BS	409	Arriva North West & Wales
3132	Liscard BS	Birkenhead, nr Claughton Road	410	Arriva North West & Wales

Today we decided to re-visit Birkenhead. We checked the weather for the Midlands & North West with places such as and it was for showery weather, with the West of the soft play area figuring a little better. We gave Matthew a list of place from the area and from the list Matthew smartly chose Birkenhead. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 and he had toast and washed down with summer fruit juice. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we saw City Cabs EA04 FYF parked up outside the Hem Heath pub. We carried on down to the A50 and we went West to the A500 , where we went Northwards. Going North up the A500 we saw Paul's of Stoke M20 BUS, Ricky's R222 RKY, National Holidays NH11 JTH & red minibus DK05 ERX. We heard there was traffic on the M6 so we took a bizarre route through Alsager, close to Crewe and then onto the A500/A51. In Alsager we saw First Potteries 66303 Hanley bound #3. Traveling West up the A51 past Routemaster Buses depot, we saw RTS minibuses BX08 EOR & Arriva NW&W 4477/4478. 4478 now has an all over advert. In little we turned right off the A51 and onto the M53. We went North up the M53 and we saw Durham City Coaches YJ16 EJC & Ashcroft Travel HIG 5675. We came off the M53 at junction 5 onto the A41. As we travelled North we could see a Helms double decker following us the road. It caught us at traffic lights at Bromborough and Matthew got a picture of Helms double decker 129 on a football service to Liverpool AFC.

Helms 129 in Bromborough

We continued North up the A41, nearly went into the tunnel again and then re-joined the A552 outside Birkenhead Central station. We went under Bromborough Road and around the roundabout onto Argyle Street. We turned left onto Conway Street past the bus station and we saw Arriva NW&W 4171 on a #410 service. We turned left again onto Hemmingford Street. We tried to park on the surface car park between Wilko and the bus station but it was full, so we ended up on a small car par off St John Street. The cafe we were going to eat at had closed so we decided to eat in the market. We used the toilet in the market adjacent to the bus station and we found a place on the left hand side of the market that was still serving breakfasts. Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we waited for the food I went to the travel shop and I got the Walrus cards charged up with a Wirral area Saveaway ticket at £3.90. We ate our food and once we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. We had just missed a #410 to New Brighton, so we had a walk around the bus station to see what was about. We saw required Arriva NW&W 4517 on a #437 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4517 in Birkenhead bus station

We walked up to the eastern entrance to the bus station and we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 27269 on a #1 service to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27269 in Birkenhead bus station

We decided to wait back up at the other end as it was closer to stand 10 which would need for the New Brighton bus. In the distance we saw what we thought was an old Ribble liveried double decker on Argyle Street. We saw it turn onto Conway Street and headed towards us. As it got closer we realised it was dud Stagecoach Merseyside 18156 on a #472 to Heswall.

Stagecoach Merseyside 18156 in Birkenhead bus station

It was a bus we had been on when it was in ordinary Stagecoach colours from Blackpool to St Annes back in October 2012. We also saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 27263 on a #2 service to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27263 in Birkenhead bus station

A few minutes later we a cadet approaching stand 10. We turned the corner to see it was dud Arriva NW&W 2515.

Arriva NW&W 2515 in Birkenhead bus station

We got on the bus and we put the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Claughton Road. We turned right onto Exmouth Street and across the A553 onto Watson Street. We continued forwards onto Rendel Street and then we turned left onto the A554. We passed Docks Road and we continued North up the A554 past the visiting fairground. A Seacombe Ferry we turned into the the terminal and we saw Arriva NW&W Myllenium bodied DAF 2463 on a #403 service. As the rear of the bus was now empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2515.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2515

We left the ferry terminal and we went back onto the A554 We traveled forwards onto St Pauls Road. At the end we turned right and we headed up Wheatland Lane. Wheatland lane became Liscard Road and we traveled North into Liscard. We joined the one way system onto Mill Lane and then right onto St Albans Road.We turned left onto Wallasey Road and we decide to get up and get off the bus. We turned into Belvidere Road where it stopped and we got off. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2515 before it carried on to Wallasey village.

Arriva NW&W 2515 in Liscard

We watch the bus go off into the distance and then we walked around the corner to the stop on Wallasey Road. We didn't have to wait long before a Myllennium bodied DAF single decker cam around the corner out of Torrington Road. As got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2454.

Arriva NW&W 2454 in Liscard

We got on the bus and we put the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down near the front of the bus. At the next stop people got off the bus so we sat at the back of the bus. We left Liscard along Rake Lane and went forwards onto Rowson Street. At the end we turned left onto the A554 and we ran down to the coast and we turned left onto King's Parade. The bus terminated opposite to Morrisons and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2454.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2454

Once we got off the bus we headed to the pelican crossing. On the way we saw required Arriva NW&W 2638 on a terminating #411 service from Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2638 in New Brighton

We crossed the road and we went to have a look at the buses parked up to near to Morrisons. On the opposite side of the road required Arriva NW&W 4530 arrived on a #432 service from Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4530 in New Brighton

Back on the nearside of the road we saw required Avon Buses 156 about to work a #10A to Arrowe Park.

Avon Buses 156 in New Brighton

Behind the Avon Buses MCW single decker was dud Arriva NW&W 2456 on a #414 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2456 in New Brighton

We went into Morrisons and Matthew used the toilet. We then went into the shop and we brought some Irn Brus and cherry Coke as well as a couple of Chocolate bars. We went to the till and paid for the good before loading up the trip bag. When we got outside we saw required Arriva NW&W 4205 which had just arrived on a #410 service.

Arriva NW&W 4205 in New Brighton

The bus ran to the roundabout and turned round and came back to form a #410 to Clatterbridge. We got on the bus and we put the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4205.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4205

The bus set off along King Parade we turned right onto the A554. We Climbed the hill and we turned right into Rowson Street. We continued forwards onto Rake lane and we ran into Liscard. We went around the one way system and we called in the bus station on Liscard Crescent. We turned right onto Mill Street and right again onto St Albans Road. We turned left onto Wallasey Road before turning left into Torrington Road. We descended the hill down to Gorsey lane and we crossed over the A59. We went forwards onto Duke Street and we passed the West Float. Opposite the Happy Als bus depot was another small compound in which we saw yellow Solo T421 OUB. We passed Birkenhead Park railway station and we turned left onto Park Road North. At the corner of the park we turned right onto Park Road East before going left into Claughton Road where we passed A2B Solo YJ60 KDZ on a #154 service. At Hemingford Street we turned left and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4205 as it carried on South towards Clatterbridge.

Arriva NW&W 4205 in Birkenhead

We set off on foot back to the bus station, the Southbound service does call in the bus station as it isn't possible without running down the road and doubling back on itself. As we passed the car park we saw a Streetlite approaching... It was required Arriva NW&W 6000 on a #487 service to Ness Gardens.

Arriva NW&W 6000 in Birkenhead bus station

When we got to the bus station we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2454 on a #410 to New Brighton. We didn't have to wait long before required Arriva NW&W 2638 made an appearance on the #411 to New Brighton.

Arriva NW&W 2638 in Birkenhead bus station

we decided to do this bus so we got on and we put the walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went forwards onto Claughton Road. we turned Right onto park Road East and Left onto Park Road North. At Duke Street we turned right and we went passed Birkenhead Park station, Happy Als and over the bridge past the West Float. We turned right onto the A5139. At the roundabout we turned left onto the A554 and we passed the fairground before entering Seacombe Ferry terminal. We saw Arriva NW&W 3010 on a #413 service. After calling in the terminal we returned onto the A554 and we ran up the west side of The Wirral through Wallasey and up to New Brighton. We turned left into Kings parade and we left the bus empty before matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2638.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2638

We got up and got off the bus and across the road we saw required Avon Buses 402 about to work a #10A to Arrowe park.

Avon Buses 402 in New Brighton

We crossed the road and we decided to do Avon Buses 402. We got on the bus and we put the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along King's Parade and we turned right onto the A554. We turned right again onto Victoria Road and we went past New Brighton railway station and we turned left onto Atherton Street. We turned right onto Albion Street and at the end we went South down Mount Road. We crossed over Mount Pleasant Road and forwards onto Kirkway. The bus in front was now empty so Matthew took a picture inside Avon Buses 402.

Inside Avon Buses 402

We turned right onto Earlston Road and left onto Seaview Road and we cam into Liscard from the North West. When we got to Liscard Crescent we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Avon Buses 402 before it carried on to Arrowe Park hospital.

Avon Buses 402 in Liscard bus station

We decided to go back onto Wallasey Road to catch a bus towards new Brighton. On the way Matthew decided he wanted to go to the toilet so we went inside a pub called The Duke. Matthew used the toilet and then had a swift half of Coke before we went back outside. Whilst we were in the pub we saw Arriva NW&W 4171 going up towards New Brighton on a #410. We came out and we to the stop outside the Yorkshire Building Society. We saw a cadet approaching and we decided to do it. It was dud Arriva NW&W 2516.

Arriva NW&W 2516 in Liscard

We got on and we put the walrus cards on the ticket machine. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2516.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2516

We sat down at the back of the bus and the bus set off along Wallasey Road. Dave said 'you do realise this bus is going to Birkenhead?' I didn't realise that it was going to Birkenhead... I forgot that we caught an #409 service. we decided to get off the bus as it was calling in Liscard bus station. We got up and got off the bus, and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2516 before it carried on back towards Birkenhead.

Arriva NW&W 2516 in Liscard bus station

The next #410 to Clatterbridge came into the bus station and it was required Arriva NW&W 3130.

Arriva NW&W 3130 in Liscard bus station

We decided to turn this bus down in the hope that we might get Arriva NW&W President double decker 4171. We retired to a nearby bench Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and he shared a double Milky Way with me and uncle Dave. When we had finished we walked back over to the bus station and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2988 on a #414 to Woodside.

Arriva NW&W 2988 in Liscard bus station

We turned this down, waiting for the next #410. Whilst we waited we saw Eazibus double decker SN03 EAJ comw past empty.

Eazibus SN03 EAJ in Liscard bus station

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching and disappointingly it was a Pulsar II! As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 3132.

Arriva NW&W 3132 in Liscard bus station

We got on the bus for the final time today, placing the Walrus cards on the ticket machine before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off around the one way system and onto Wallsaey Road before turning left into Torrington Road. We descended the hill down to Gorsey lane and we crossed over the A59. We went forwards onto Duke Street and we passed the West Float. We passed Birkenhead Park railway station and we turned left onto Park Road North. At the corner of the park we turned right onto Park Road East before going left into Claughton Road. The bus had emptied a little, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 3132.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3132

At Hemingford Street we turned left and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3132 as it carried on South towards Clatterbridge. .

Arriva NW&W 3132 in Birkenhead

We walked back to the bus station, walking past the car which mum had now moved to the car park opposite to the bus station. We didn't get there quick enough to see Arriva NW&W 4165 on the #464 to New Ferry, but we see Stagecoach Merseyside 36820 on the #41 to Woodchurch.

Stagecoach Merseyside 36820 in Birkenhead bus station

We went back to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls, which Matthew washed down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We left the car park and we circled around onto Conway Street via Hemingford Street. We turned right onto Argyle Street and left onto the A41 and we went South towards the M53. As we left town we passed a KWS Executive Travel midicoach. Just before the M53 we saw Deeside Cars Ford minibus YR10 OUP. Coming the other way on the M53 we passed an unidentified Robinson's coach. We took the Eastbound exit onto the M56 and we travelled towards warrington AS we approached the M6 we saw a couple of coaches ahead of us. The rear coach was Bakers Travel King Long coach BX13 NTE.

Bakers BX13 NTE on the M56

The other one was G Line Hoildays YN62 GXC.

G Line Hoildays YN62 GXC on the M56

We went South on the M6 and through the roadwork around junctions 20 to 18. On the M6 we saw City Cabs LT02 XLJ. At junction 16 we joined the Southbound A500. Coming down the A500 we caught up with Bagnalls BAG 923S. Further down the A500 passed two Bakers coaches in the new colours (white with black and orange stripe) one of which was 294, as well as another in the old colours with green. We also saw Stanton's of Stoke coaches 614 WEH & NXJ 321. At Sideway we took the Eastbound A50 and we saw Lucky Seven SF04 ZHD. As we came off the A50 we were caught up by Bagnalls BAG 923S again.

Bagnalls BAG 923S on the A50

We came off the a50 at Longton and we went to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. As it was a bank holiday weekend there were a lot of buses parked up this evening. In the front row was Z Carz Y568 XFV.

Z Carz Y568 XFV in Longton

Nearest minibus in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We turned left into Willow Road and we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD parked across the gate of the compound.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 high level and we crossed over the A50 to go to the petrol station. Today I managed to put the correct fuel in the car! After filling up we got back onto the a50 and we went West where we saw Northwich Travel Y743 DDA. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we went left onto Blurton Road. We traveled through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive and we saw white Iveco minibus NX03 BFP again. We got home around 19:20. For a late tea we 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 29-04-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
67603	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. He got dressed and had crumpets and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

We got on the bus and we set off onto the A5035. We went right into Trentham and right into New Inn Lane. After picking up another service user in Trentham we returned onto the A5035 and we returned towards Blurton. We turned left into Church Road and then left onto Blurton Road and we saw bakers Travel coach 294 (BX14 KRG). We traveled through Blurton and into heron Cross and over the A50. At the light we went straight across and onto Heron Street. We followed the road around over Station Bridge Road and we turned left onto Christchurch Street and to our destination. In the morning Matthew spent time on the computer and time in the sensory room and he also made a cake. We went to the co-operative food store on Christchurch Street and we saw First Potteries 41497 on a #23 to Newstead. For Dinner Matthew had a burger and fries with Coke from MacDonalds. After dinner we went to the pub in Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Fenton

The bus set off onto Glebedale Road and we turned left onto City Road. At the bottom of the road we turned right onto the A52 and towards the railway station. We carried on past the end of Station Road and to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned left onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. At the pub Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings included First Potteries 63096 which was on a #6 to Weston Coyney.

First Potteries 63096 in Joiners Square

Matthew listened to the Jukebox with tracks by Venga Boys, Steps and Billy Ocean. When it was time to go we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off along Palmerston Street and right onto the A52. At joiners Square we saw Copeland's Tours coaches MIB 536 & MIB 229. We turned left onto Victoria Road and we went to the top before joining the A50 link road. We did the high level A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We traveled through Blurton and forwards onto Church Road, before turning left onto the A5035. We crossed the railway line into Trentham and we turned right into New Inn Lane. After dropping of another service user we returned onto New Inn Lane and onto the A5035. We ran over the railway into Blurton and Matthew got home just before 15:00. Matthew had toast and a drink of dandelion & burdock 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 two of the #22 turns earlier in the day and First Potteries 67603 was booked to be our bus. We waited at the bus stop and the bus was a little late today. Whilst we waited we saw Stanton's of Stoke YX56 DJD heading into Blurton.

Stanton's of Stoke YX56 DJD in Blurton

A few minutes later we saw the 3rd #22 turn. It was required First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to Longton.

First Potteries 67634 in Blurton

A few minutes later, it turned the corner and as expected it was dud First Potteries 67603.

First Potteries 67603 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. The bus set off onto the A5035 turning right. We Immediately passed City Cabs Mercedes minibus WX04 XGD. We Crossed over the railway line into Trentham and we passed Bakers Travel 294 for a second time today. Before we turned into new Inn Lane we passed Free Spirits minibus MK52 PXH. We turned right and we passed First Potteries 41499 on a #21A to Trentham Gardens. In Hanford we turned right onto Wilson Road and then left onto Church Lane. At the bottom we joined the A34 and we went under the A500 and into Trent Vale. We passed First Potteries 67641 on a #22 to Longton and we also saw First Potteries 41522 on a #21 to the Trentham Hotel. When the bus turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. We headed back onto the A34 and we saw First Potteries 65036 on a #101 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65036 in Trent Vale

We saw mum drive past in the car and we met her at the car park and went into the pub. 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 required First Potteries 65037 on a Staford Bound #101 service as well as Stanton's of Stoke 5658 RU going North and ABC Supreme P881 RND on a South bound shuttle. When it was time to go we got in the car to go and pick up uncle Dave. We went South down the A34 and we turned left onto the A500. At Sideway we went East where we saw Thandi Executive Travel T7 NND going the other way. We ran up to Heron Cross and we dropped down into Fenton to pick up uncle Dave. As we traveled through Blurton we saw School's Out YG58 WFS, First Potteries 67634 on a #22 to Longton and Autocabs minibus SJ07 LWT. We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we saw white Iveco minibus NX03 BFP currently off road and SORN'd. and we got home just after 18:20. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Leigh / Atherton 23-04-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
39245	Leigh BS	Ellenbrrok, nr Newearth Road/East Lancs Road	V1	First Manchester
32211	Ellenbrook, adj Newearth Road/East Lancs Road	Boothstown, Booths Hall Way	VH1	Rotala Diamond
32211	Boothstown, Booths Hall Way	Ellenbrook, adj Newearth Road/East Lancs Road	VH1	Rotala Diamond
39241	Newearth Road, Guided Busway Stop	Atherton, Market Street/Co-op (Stop C)	V2	First Manchester
69524	Atherton, Market Street/Co-op (Stop C)	Leigh BS	582	First Manchester
10445	Leigh BS	Boothstown, Simpson Road/Boothstown Precinct (Shopping Ctr)	34	Stagecoach Manchester
32211	Boothstown, Simpson Road/Boothstown Precinct (Shopping Ctr)	Boothstown, Booths Hall Way	VH1	Rotala Diamond
32211	Boothstown, Booths Hall Way	Ellenbrook, adj Newearth Road/East Lancs Road	VH1	Rotala Diamond
39253	Newearth Road, Guided Busway Stop	Leigh BS	V1	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Leigh so we could ride on the new guided busway. We checked the weather for Leigh today and it was for manly sunny and dry weather with some cloud. Mathew got up around 10:30 and had some toast washed down with summer fruit juice. We set off around 12:00 onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way. We went West on the A500 to Sideway and then North onto the A500. Traffic was moving well and we got up to the M6 quite quickly. As we went North up the M6 we passed a number of coaches coming South. We saw An Antony's Travel coach, 3 x Vision coaches, A blue Options tri-axle coach, National Express liveried FJ12 FXT. An Edwards Coaches coach, a BSS coach and Bakers Dolphin coach. We ran up to junction 22 and we turned East onto the A579. We ran up to Lowton and we turned right. Before we crossed the A580 we saw Swans YP15 NLE stop outside a pub. We continued North into town and we turned right and went past the bus station and main shopping centre. We doubled back to the shopping centre car park abd we parked up. We then walked through the shopping centre to the bus station. On the corner of the bus station was one of the new First Manchester vantage branded buses for the guided busway. It was required First Manchester 39250 on a V1 service.

First Manchester 39250 in Leigh bus station

Matthew went to the toilet and then we went to the burger van by the bus station with the gazebo and outdoor dining space. For dinner Matthew had a bacon and egg barm washed down with a small bottle of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and First Manchester 39250 had now been replaced by required First Manchester 39245.

First Manchester 39245 in Leigh bus station

We queued up to get on the bus and it was quite busy. When we got on the bus we booked System One bus only tickets at £%.20 each. We went upstairs and we sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus pulled out of the bus station and we turned left onto Spinning Jenny Way. At the end we went straight and onto the start of the guided busway where there is a park and ride facility. The first thing that was noticeable about the journey was the speed. It didn't seem to go particularly fast, but that might because the route is almost straight and traffic free with the exception of passing other buses coming the other way. The other thing of note that it used to be an old railway line, but the track seems very undulating... Im not sure if the landscaping was introduced to speed up and slow down buses as they leave and approach the stops. As we traveled East we passed a number of Vantage buses going the other way. In the first section of the guided busway up to Tyldesley we passed First Manchester 39240 on a V1 service. We also saw Rotala Diamond 20727 at one of the crossing on a #684 Tyldesley circular service. At the Astley Street stop it was a more substantial stop with passing loops and stops for ordinary buses. This is where the V2 enters and exits the guided busway for journeys up to Atherton. As we traveled East from this point we saw First Manchester 39252/9246 on V2 services and First Manchester 39243/39239 on V1 services. We got to the last stop on the busway and the bus turned right onto Newearth Road where we got up and got off the bus. On the other side of the road we saw First Manchester 39254 on a V2 service and a white Rotala Diamond bus. As First Manchester 39245 loaded up with more passengers, we took another picture before it continued to Manchester.

First Manchester 39245 in Ellenbrook

We decided to cross the road to have a look at the white Rotala Diamond Streetlite. Before we did we took a picture of required Rotala Diamond 32211 on the VH1 Boothstown circular.

Rotala Diamond 32211 in Ellenbrook

We decided to have a ride on the bus so we got on and asked the driver about the service and he gave us a timetable. It appeared to be a feeder service for the V1 that started in February. Before we sat down as the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 32211.

Inside Rotala Diamond 32211

The bus set off up Newearth Road and we turned right into Ellenbrook Road just short of the guided busway. We followed the road onto Bridgewater Road and we continued West to Mosley Common. We then turned left onto Mosley Common Road and we crossed over the A580. We continued South onto Simpson Road and we went past the main shopping plaza in Boothstown before we turned right into Booths Hall Way. Part way down the road we stopped to wait time. After the stop we continued around this very nice housing estate. We turned left onto Amberhill Way and then right onto Highclove Lane. There were a couple or horses coming the other way so the driver stopped the bus and shut the engine off until after the horses had gone by. The bus was re-started and we continued up to Booths Hall Way and Leigh Road. As the route is figure of eight like, we turned right onto Simpson Road and we past the shops in Boothstown again before we turned left onto Ellenbrook Road. We crossed the A580 and we went forwards onto Newearth Road, completing the circle, so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 32211 before we walked off up the road towards the guided busway.

Rotala Diamond 32211 in Ellenbrook

It was close to a quarter of a mile up to the guided busway stop, as we started going up the road we saw a couple of Manchester bound Vantage service. The first bus we saw was required First Manchester 39243 on a V1 service.

First Manchester 39243 in Ellenbrook

A few seconds later we saw First Manchester 39246 on a V2 service to Manchester.

First Manchester 39246 in Ellenbrook

We crossed Ellenbrook Road and we turned to see required Stagecoach Manchester 36798 on a #32 to Wigan, which we could have caught up to Atherton. A few yards further up the rod we turned left into the Newearth Road guided busway stop. There was a display with the bus service times, as the times weren't evenly spaced it must have been real time bus information. It said that the next bus due was a V2 service to Atherton, and indeed it was when it turned the corner out of Newearth Road. It was required First Manchester 39241.

First Manchester 39241 in Ellenbrook

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus wasn't as rammed full as the Manchester bound V1 service. We set off Westwards along the guided busway and we traveled the approximate 3.5 Kilometre of guided busway to the Astley Street Stop. After a brief stop at the platform we turned right onto Astley Street and we left the guided busway. At the top we turned left onto Manchester Road and into Tyldesley town centre. It was the first time that we had ever been to our namesake town... We left toen along the A577 and we went North Westwards the mile or so to Atherton. We went forwards onto Market Street and as the bus advised us with it's talking stop announcement, we got up as this was the main town centre stop. Before we went downstairs Matthew took a picture in the now empty First Manchester 39241.

Inside First Manchester 39241

We got off the bus and we crossed the road and Matthew took another picture of First Manchester 39241 as it prepared to returned to Manchester.

First Manchester 39241 in Atherton

As we didn't manag to get to the bank earlier and we spotted a Lloyds by the bus stop, we crossed back over the road to use the cash machine. Whilst we were there we saw Rotala Diamond 33005 on a #132 service to Wigan.

Rotala Diamond 33005 in Atherton

We returned to the bus stop and we looked at the timetable. Most of the service from this stop were now hourly including the once frequent #32 Manchester to Wigan service. The only frequent service from this stop was the #582 from Bolton to Leigh. There was one due in a few minutes. We gave Matthew a small bottle of Cherryade, and as often is the case as soon as we give food or drink a bus turned up! It was required First Manchester 69524 on a #582 to Leigh.

First Manchester 69524 in Atherton

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes, so we climbed aboard and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver before we sat down at the back of the bus. The bus set off along market Street and at the end it veered left onto Leigh Road. We then traveled the 3 or so mile down the one straight road through Howe Bridge and into the North end of Leigh. When we got into town we entered the bus station off King Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 69524.

Inside First Manchester 69524

We decided to take Matthew to the toilet whilst we had the chance, and after he had finished we had a look around for something to catch. On the next V1 to Manchester was required First Manchester 39244.

First Manchester 39244 in Leigh bus station

We also saw required Stagecoach Manchester 10445 on a #34 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10445 in Leigh bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do the new Stagecoach bus. Presumably these were purchased for this route to compete with First Vantage service to Manchester bus over conventional roads. There was a driver change, and whilst we waited we had a walk around the bus station. We saw required Arriva North west and wales 2717 on a #34 to St Helens as well as required First Manchester 39249 on the following V1 service. We saw the driver return to the bus so we headed back to Stagecoach Manchester 10445. We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. As the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 10445.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 10445

As we waited for departure time we saw First Manchester 33709 come into the bus station o a #582 to Bolton. When it was time to go we left the bus station and we went out onto Spinning Jenny Way. At the end we turned right onto Chapel street and we headed out of town Eastwards. Chapel Street became Manchester Road and we went a few miles and into the village of Astley. At the other end of Astley we passed coach ROI 8235. We crossed the the A580 and roads became familiar as we entered the Boothstown area. We passed the Leigh bound #34 service so we knew we wouldn't be getting that service back to Leigh, or at least not for another 20 minutes... When we got to the shopping plaza area we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 10445 as it carried on towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10445 in Boothstown

Right behind the #34 service was required Rotala diamond 32220 on a #126 to the Intu Trafford centre.

Rotala Diamond 32220 in Boothstown

We decided to get some shopping so we headed over the Plaza to the Sainsbury's local shop. In the shop we brought a can of Coke and a couple of bars of chocolate as well as a Drumstick lolly. After we had finished I took Matthew to the toilet in the adjacent betting shop. We walked back to the main road and at the bus stop Matthew had a Curly Wurly and a small bottle of Coke. We had decided to do the VH1 service again as we knew it would take us back to the guided busway. Whilst we waited we saw Stagecoach Manchester 10447 on a Manchester bound #34 service.

Stagecoach Manchester 10447 in Boothstown

A few minutes later we saw the white Rotala Diamond Streetlite approaching, and as expected it was Rotala Diamond 32211 again.

Rotala Diamond 32211 in Boothstown

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along Simpson Road and we turned right into Booths Hall Way. The bus stopped for it's booked waiting time before we circled around via Amberhill Way, Highclove Lane and Leigh Road before going past Simpson Road again. We turned left onto Ellenbrook Road and we crossed the A580 onto Newearth Road where we got up and got off the bus. This time going up to the guided busway we didn't see a bus coming the other way. We step onto the platform at Newearth Road and almost immediately we saw a bus turn the corner. It was required First Manchester 39253 on a V1 to Leigh.

First Manchester 39253 in Ellenbrook

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus wasn't as full as the V1 we had done earlier, but it was more well filled than the Atherton Bound V2. We set off Westwards and we asked Matthew if he wanted to make this the last bus today and he said yes. As we traveled towards Leigh the bus slowly emptied out and by the time we came off the guided busway it was almost empty. We went forwards onto Spinning Jenny Way and we turned right into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 39253.

Inside First Manchester 39253

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we had a last look a round the bus station before we went back to meet mum. As we walked around the bus station we saw Rotala Diamond 30920 departing on a #517 to Blackrod.

Rotala Diamond 30920 in Leigh bus station

We also saw Jim Stones Enviro200 BUS 1S on a #586 Gin Pit to Parsonage Retail Park service.

Jim Stones BUS 1S in Leigh bus station

In one of the layover spaces at the bottom end of the bus station was Rotala Diamond Solo 20727.

Rotala Diamond 20727 in Leigh bus station

As we walked back up to the top end of the bus station we saw First Manchester 69525 on a #582 to Bolton.

First Manchester 69525 in Leigh bus station

We walked up Union Street and we turned into Lord Street where mum was now parked. We got in the car and matthew had a Greggs sausage roll which we washed down wit a small bottle of Irn Bru. We drove around the shopping centre and back onto Spinning Jenny Way where we saw Wigan Coachways Scania Omnicity 402 entering the bus station on an unidentified service. We turned left into King Street and we started to head out of town and we stopped to get a few chips from a Chinese chip shop which we shared. We carried on out of town and across A580 into Lowton. We turned left onto the A579 and we ran down to Junction 22 of the M6. As we traveled South passed a few of the coaches we had passed going the other way. At junction 16 we came off the M6 onto the A500 which we did to Sideway. We went east on the A50 up to Longton so we could check out what was on Z Carz this evening. On the spare ground was Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

Also in the row was Z Carz BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

Nearest on the front row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also on the spare ground was Z Carz green Ford minibus T418 WYJ.

Z Carz T418 WYJ in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there were a few buses in the compound too. Nearest to the gate was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We set off back onto the high level A50 and we crossed over the A50 to visit the Tesco petrol station. Here I did one of the most stupid things I have probably done in a while... I accidentally put petrol in our diesel car. I only realised when I was getting the nozzle out of the car and I accidentally splashed a small amount of fuel on my face! We told the cashier and she recommended we phone someone to sort it out before we started the car up. Mum called the A and we took Matthew to the bus station for a while. We walked along Baths Road and when the bus station was in sight Matthew decided he needed the toilet. We went into Tesco and Matthew used the facilities and then we brought him a can of Coke. The phone rang and the AA man was now in position to tow the car. Matthew rode in the AA van and me mum and uncle Dave rode in the car being towed. We set off out of the petrol station and over the A50 onto Foley Road. We turned right onto Longton Hall Road and then left onto Blurton Road. At Critchlow's corner we followed the road around to the right onto Church Road and then right onto the A5035. We got home around 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers & mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark