Trip to Newcastle / Keele 06-06-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
119	Fenton, adj Travers Court	Newcastle BS	1	D&G Bus
35948	Newcastle BS	Keele, Sneyd Arms PH	25	First Potteries
35948	Keele, Sneyd Arms PH	Newcastle BS	25	First Potteries
35948	Newcastle BS	Hanley BS	25	First Potteries
67181	Hanley BS	Fenton, Alfred Street	6A	First Potteries

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going out on the bus. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group YS70 KWG. After getting ready we went downstairs and we got in the car and we drove onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Chrsitchurch Street. We turned left onto City Road and we ran down the hill into Stoke. We ran forwards onto the A52 and we under the railway line. We crossed over the A500 and we went around the one-way system in Stoke. We turned left onto London Road and we turned right onto Chamberlain Avenue. We stopped for a short while and Matthew had a can of Coke and afterwards we returned to Fenton. We got in the car and we set off onto Chamberlain Avenue and we turned left London Road and we ran forwards onto the one-way system onto Campbell Place and we ran forwards onto Church Street and we ran around the onto Hartshill Road. We ran through Hartshill and into Newcastle onto George Street. We ran around the one-way system onto the Jubilee Roundabout and onto Ironmarket. Once off the bus we went to the pub across the road. Matthew went to the toilet and then had a glass of Coke. After drinking his drink we returned to got in car. We set off across Jubilee Roundabout onto the one-way system. We turned right onto barracks Road and we went South down the A34. We went past Grandma's house and we continued We turned left onto Victoria Street and we ran up top the A52. We travelled towards Hartshill and we veered left onto Shelton New Road. We ran down to the A500 and we got onto the Southbound carriageway. We came off the A500. We turned left onto City Road and we ran under the railway line into Fenton. We turned right onto Smithpool Road and then left onto Temple street and back to the residential unit. Matthew returned to his room to chill out on his computer. Hr used his computer and watched buses out of the window we saw Temple Street church RX18 GZW going towards Hanley.

Temple Street church RX18 GZW in Fenton

We went downstairs and we and we cut through onto City Road to wait a bus to Hanley. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was D&G Bus 119 on a #1A to Wood Lane. We got on the bus and we booked to Newcastle before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down City Road and we ran down the hill over the old railway line to Leek and onto the A52. We ran under the railway line and over the A500 and straight into Stoke town centre. We continued along Church Street onto Hartshill Road and into the centre of Hartshill. We turned left into the Avenue and left again onto Hilton Road before turning right into the City General Hospital. hospital. As we travelled through the hospital we saw ERS Medical YJ21 FWO and ABC Supreme HV22 HKL. Once through the hospital we turned right onto the A34 and we ran into Newcastle. We crossed the roundabout and we ran up Barracks Road and into the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of D&G Bus 119 before it continued towards Park Site.

D&G Bus 119 in Newcastle bus station

We decided to do a bus up to Keele. A few minutes later we saw First Potteries 35948 on a #25 to Keele. We got on and booked to Keele before we went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Barracks Road we turned right onto Ryecroft. We veered left onto Merrial Street and after a brief stop we ran forwards onto Church Street. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran forwards onto the A525. We turned right into Orme Road and we saw First Potteries 63113 on a #25 to Hanley. We continued along Orme Road before we re-joined the Westbound A525. We climbed the steep hill up to Keele and we turned left into the campus. We turned left onto University Drive we did a u-turn and headed into the campus. At the main roundabout we turned left and we ran around the shops and student union bar. We ran through the campus past the back of the library and out the other side into the village. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed over The Village and walked to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and had a glass of Coke. For tea Matthew had a cajun chicken burgers followed by chocolate brownie and ice cream. After we had finished eating we went outside and we saw First Potteries 35948 on a #25 to Hanley. We got on the bus and we booked to Stoke we sitting down. We set off through the campus We turned right onto University Drive and we ran up to the entrance of the campus before turning right onto the A525. We ran down the hill and we crossed over the roundabout. We went past the scrapyards which is going to be the site of some new houses. We turned left onto Orme Road. We ran through the estate and to the end of the road. We turned left onto the A525 and at the roundabout onto the Southbound A34. We ran down two roundabout and we went left onto Barracks Road. We entered the bus station from the South end. Once we got to the bus station we got up and off the bus and we saw Arriva Midlands 2519 on a #64 to Shrewsburye. After a short while we saw the bus approaching and as it got closer we saw that it was required First Potteries 35948 on a #25 to Hanley.

First Potteries 35948 in Newcastle bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to Hanley before we went upstairs. When it was time to go the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Barracks Road. We turned left at the roundabout onto the A34. we ran South as far as the hospital where we turned left. As we travelled through the hospital. We came out of the hospital and turned left onto Hilton Road. We ran into Hartshill and we turned right onto the A52. We ran down the hill into Stoke town centre and along Church Street. After a brief stop we continued along the A52, over the A500 and under the railway line. We followed the A52 to the left and we ran alongside the railway and onto Station Road. We passed the railway station and we turned right onto Stoke Road and we turned right onto Avenue Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto College Road. We ran up the hill through Shelton and we followed the road to the right onto Cleveland Road and Regent Road. We turned left onto Lower Bethesda Street and we crossed over the ring road, continuing onto Bethesda Street. We turned right onto John Street and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once in the bus station. Whilst we waited for a bus back to Fenton we saw First Potteries 67148 on the #7 to Kidsgrove. The bus appeared and it was First Potteries 67181 on a #6A to Blythe Bridge.

First Potteries 67181 in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus we booked to Fenton before sitting down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto John Street and we turned left onto Bethesda Street. We turned left onto the ring road and we turned right onto Lichfield Street and we ran down the hill to Joiners Square. We crossed the roundabout onto Victoria Road and we ran up the hill into Fenton. At the top of the hill we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we set off on foot on the road at the back of Victoria Road. We turned left onto Manor Street and we turned left onto City Road. We crossed over onto Christchurch Street and we turned right onto Temple Street and we returned to the residential unit. Matthew went upstairs to his room to chill out and watch buses out of the window. He also ate the a bottle of Coke and a toffee Crisp. Later on Matthew had a bath and had toast for supper. Matthew went on his computer until bedtime around 23:00... Mark

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 20-08-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2526	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2525	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital stop A	3C	Arriva NW&W
2533	Halton Lea, Hospital stop B	Runcorn BS	79	Arriva NW&W
2519	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	79C	Arriva NW&W
5006	Murdishaw Central	Halton Lea North	2	Arriva NW&W
2523	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2540	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital stop A	79C	Arriva NW&W
2543	Halton Lea, Hospital stop B	Widnes, Green Oaks	79C	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. We had checked the weather for today and it was for mainly cloudy weather with some rain, better in the North West. Matthew had been in respite for most of the week. We gave Matthew a short list of destination in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Widnes. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and ornge juice for breakfast. We set off just after 11:30 and we ran through Blurton along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and left again onto Blurton Road. At Heron Cross we joined the Eastbound A50 to try and avoid the matchday traffic, and we ran up the A50 Link Road onto City Road. We ran down City Road under the railway line and onto the A52. In Stoke we saw McDowell, minibus J111 TMT and Paul's of Stoke coach M221 AGL. We joined the Northbound A500 and going up we saw Global Travel T5 XLA, Barrett's T9 BCL, Bakers BX64 AEN / NUI 7726 / FJ04 ETD, Selwyns SEL 702 and ABC Coaches PO16 HSA. We joined the Northbound M6 and we saw Park's of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 808, Stagecoach trainer X822 ???, Eavesway grey minibus / YJ14 BYG and Grey minibus YJ64 BVA.

YJ64 BVA on the M6

Further up the M6 we passed an unidentified Tyrers coach and an unidentified Charlton mini Coaches minibus. We went west on the M62 a couple of junction and then we went South on the A557 into Widnes. We turned off into town and on the edge of town we saw Cable Cars minibus MX57 SFJ. We parked up in the car park next to the Green Oaks retail park and on the way to the market we saw Halton Transport 88 on a #14C to Hough Green.

Halton Transport 88 in Widnes

We went to the outdoor market and brought some cake whilst mum used the facilities. We went to the market Cafe in the far corner of the market hall and Matthew used the toilet. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked back out of the market to the bus stops. As we got there we saw required Arriva NW&W 2526 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2526 in Widnes

We also saw Halton Transport 90 on a #14 to Liverpool.

Halton Transport 90 in Widnes

We decided to do 2526 on the #110 so we walked over to the bus and we got on. We booked Arriva NW&W Daysaver tickets at £.530 and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. As the bus in front was empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2526.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2526

We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2526 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2526 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to catch the next Arriva bus towards the hospital. Whilst we waited we saw Halton Transport 15 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 15 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 2525 on a #3C to Halton Lea hospital.

Arriva NW&W 2525 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do required Arriva NW&W 2525 on the #3C service to Halton Hospital. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right and up the hill. We crossed the canal and we went under the A533. We turned left into Boston Avenue and we ran Eastwards. We turned left into Halton Brook Avenue and then we turned right into Halton Brook Avenue. We went forwards off Halton Brook Avenue on to Brackendale and after crossing over the B5155 onto Halton Lodge Avenue we turned left onto the busway. With Runcorn being radically different, there are three types of Roads. We ran under the A533 central expressway and into the Halton Lea shopping centre. The Eastbound busway calls at the library on an elevated road. After a brief stop we continued to the hospital where the bus terminated. We got off the bus and crossed over the road to stop B. We crossed the road and we saw Arriva NW&W 2533 on a #79 to Hough Green.

Arriva NW&W 2533 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off along the busway Westwards. We stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre. We carried on West onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. We got off the bus and we crossed over to the other side to catch something back West. Across the other side was Arriva NW&W 2537 on a #82A to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2537 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Ashcroft's Travel Solo YK04 KWJ arrive on the #52 Beechwood Circular service.

Ashcroft's Travel YK04 KWJ in Runcorn bus station

The Solo went on layover for a short while. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2545 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2545 in Runcorn bus station

Matthew didn't want to do this bus. On the opposite saide of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2536 on the #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2536 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2519 on a #79 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2519 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do this bus rather than pay to go on a Solo! We got on Arriva NW&W 2519 and flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver. We set off out of town as we had done on the #3C earlier and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we traveled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we guessed we had reached the end of the run. we got up and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2519.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2519

We got off the bus and then Matthew then took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2519.

Arriva NW&W 2519 in Murdishaw

After taking a few bus pictures off the footbridge we went into the Co-operative food store. Mathew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru. He also had some Milky Way and some Curly Wurlies. Once we had done our shopping we went to the till and Matthew said hello to the girl behind the counter. Whilst we waited to catch an Arriva bus we saw Halton Transport 36 which went on layover.

Halton Transport 36 in Murdishaw

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 5006 #2 Halton Lea circular.

Arriva NW&W 5006 in Murdishaw

We decided to do this bus, so we got on and we flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. As this was a service we hadn't done before we immediately covered new ground. The #1 and #2 Halton Lea circulars run completely on Busways, The #1 being the clockwise service and the #2 being the anti-clockwise. We set off North out of Murdishaw central along the busway and we past near to Runcorn East railway station. We ran around the Windmill Hill area of town and then we went into a more familiar section than we had cover on a Runcorn bound #110 service. We travelled through Castlefield and past the McColls store and then we ran into Halton Lea. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of Arriva NW&W 5006.

Inside Arriva NW&W 5006

We decided to get off at the Halton Lea North terminal as we had never been there before. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 5006 as it carried on back towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 5006 in Halton Lea

We went down an flight of stairs and underneath the busway and we entered the shopping centre. We guessed where the toilet where from our previous visit, but we approached then from the opposite direction. In the center of the mall was a 'Halton's got talent' competition going on. Matthew visited the toilet and from the 5 minutes we were near to the competition we can safely say the Halton didn't have talent... We walked through the rest of the bus station and we followed the smell of the Subway shop which is situated near to the South bus terminal. We went up an escalator and into the bus station an we saw Arriva NW&W 2552 on a #21 to Chester.

Arriva NW&W 2552 in Halton Lea

A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2523 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2523 in Halton Lea

Matthew decided that we were doing this bus. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We traveled back through Castlefields via the busway. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture of the empty seat behind us on Arriva NW&W 2523.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2523

We headed back into Runcorn via the busway through Astmoor. When we got back into Runcorn Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2523 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2523 in Runcorn bus station

We decide to go East one last time before we returned to Widnes, so we crossed over the bus station to wait for the next Eastbound Arriva bus. Whilst there we saw Halton Transport 87 on a #14A to Murdishaw.

Halton Transport 87 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was required Arriva NW&W 2540 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2540 in Runcorn bus station

We got on Arriva NW&W 2519 and flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver. We set off out of town as we had done on the #3C earlier and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. The bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2540.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2540

We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We continued East and when we got to the hospital we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2540 as it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2540 in Halton Lea

We crossed over to Sop B and we waited for the next bus back. A few minutes later we saw required Arriva NW&W 2543 on a #79C to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2543 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver for the final fine today. The bus set off along the busway Westwards and we stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre. We carried on West onto Grangeway. At the end we ran forwards onto Linkway and right onto Laburnum Grove. We turned right onto Windsor Grove and we followed the road around. We ran North up Norleane Crescent and we turned left onto Heath Road. We then did a loop around Langdale Road and Ivy Street before we rejoined Heath Road, this time going Northwards. We continued up the B5155 and we followed the road to the left over the canal. We then travelled via Lena Way into the town centre and into the bus station. After a brief stop we set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture Arriva NW&W 2543 before it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2543 in Widnes

We walked over to mum and we got in the car. Matthew had a Greggs sausage roll washed down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off onto Green Oaks Way and we went North to the roundabout and did a u-turn. We went South to Tesco where we filled up with diesel at the petrol station. We got back onto Lugsdale Road and we joined the Northbound A557. We ran the 3 or so miles up to the M62 and we joined the Eastbound road. Traveling back along the M62 we saw Vision travel double decker N590 BRH. We then joined the Southbound M6. Going down the M6 we saw an unidentified Bell Vue coach and unidentified red white Routemaster. As we travelled South we caught up with a short wheelbase coach. As we got closer we saw that it was Finesse Travel BIG 7662.

Finesse Travel BIG 7662 on the M6

We joined the Southbound A500 and we saw Bagnalls minicoach BAG 563S & Bakers coach BN63 NYC. At Sideway we joined the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton. We ran up to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. In the front row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Next to that was Z Carz silver Renault minibus DS07 LSN.

Z Carz DS07 LSN in Longton

On the front of the row was Z Carz white LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz white Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We turned the corner into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Closest to the gate was Z Carz white Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We re-joined the A50 and we ran West up to Heron Cross and we came off onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and then right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just before 18:30. For a late tea we had banger and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark

Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 16-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2555	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2535	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea, Hospital	3A	Arriva NW&W
2554	Halton Lea, Hospital	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
HIG 5672	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea South	52	Ashcroft's Travel
2524	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	110	Arriva NW&W
2519	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw Central	79C	Arriva NW&W
3138	Murdishaw Central	Runcorn BS	X1	Arriva NW&W
2554	Runcorn BS	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W

Today Matthew decided that we were going to Runcorn. As we had never been to Rucorn by road we asked Matthew if it would be OK to drive to Widnes and catch a bus to Runcorn which he said was OK. We had checked the weather for today and it was for cloudy weather and showers in the North West and North Midlands and better weather to the South. We gave Matthew a list of Midlands destinations, but he didn't seem too happy. He instead point to a picture of a Halton Transport bus he had taken at Huyton which was a Rucorn service, and he wrote Runcorn on his day planner! Research then consisted of down loading the Halton & Widnes Arriva map from the website. Matthew got up around 10:00 and toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we went onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and we ran down to the A50. We went West to Sideway and then we took the Northbound. As we ran North up the A500 we saw Stanton's of Stoke 3093 RU, white minibus MX05 NFA and an unidentified Belle Vue coach. When we got to the M6 we turned right onto the Northbound side. On the M6 we saw quite a few coaches as the southbound traffic was slow due to an earlier accident. We saw Alfa 67, YN11 AYA on a #550, An unidentified Andrew's Coach, Telford's X5 TCN, blue coach ???? XYJ, Phillips BT57 LCT, black minibus SF16 DWE & Park's of Hamilton LSK 832 on a #570. We had made a decision to go via thw M62 and not the M56, which turned out to be a good decision. We left the M6 onto the Westbound M62 and on the M62 we passed Maghull Coaches coach WK02 UMC. At junction 7 we left the M62 and we went South down the A557. Approaching Widnes we saw Oakward's Travel A12 OWT. We turned right and we went North into the Green Oaks shopping centre car park where we parked up near to the bus stops and the market hall. On the way to the market we saw Halton Transport Solo 55 on a #26 circular service to Cronton.

Halton Transport 55 in Widnes

Also in Green Oaks was Halton Transport 3 on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton Transport 3 in Widnes

We walked into the market Hall and Matthew went to the toilet, and then we walked down to the other end to the Market Cafe. Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we spotted the disabled toilet which Matthew had to quickly explore, and then we went out of the market hall to the bus stands outside. Whilst we waited for a bus to Runcorn we saw Halton Transport 46 on a #61 to Widnes.

Halton Transport 46 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus coming around the corner. It was required Arriva NW&W 2555 on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2555 in Widnes

We decided to do this bus so we got on and booked Arriva Day Saver tickets at £5.30 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off onto Green Oaks Way ans we ran South into the old town via Gerrard Street. Milton Road and Kingsway. Traffic was very busy and queue to cross over the roundabout. In front of us was Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Windmill Hill. After we crossed the roundabout we ran out of town and over the railway line and under the A533. There are quite a few roadworks at the moment due to the building of a new bridge over the Mersey referred to as the Mersey Gateway project. We joined the A533 and we ran over the Mersey on the Silver Jubilee Bridge and we saw required Arriva NW&W 2522 on a #110 to Warrington. We ran around in a near circle and we got onto the High Street. We passed The Waterloo, the pub which ise the feature in the sitcom 'Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps' and we ran into the Old Town town centre where there was a small collections of bus stands just off the High Street. As we came int the bus station we saw a coach parked up.Matthew decided he wanted to get off here so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another Arriva NW&W 2555 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2555 in Runcorn bus station

On the other side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 2538 on a #3C to Weston. We walked over to the coach which was Anthony's Travel RB16 ANT.

Anthony's Travel RB16 ANT in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw Arriva NW&W 2535 which was on a #3A to Halton Hospital.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Runcorn bus station

Immediately behind that was required Arriva NW&W 2554 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do required Arriva NW&W 2535 on the #3A service to Halton Hospital. We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right and up the hill. We crossed the canal and we went under the A533. We turned left into Boston Avenue and we ran Eastwards. We turned left into Halton Brook Avenue and then erm turned right into Halton Brook Avenue. This was our first time in Runcorn, and as a new town part of it are designed differently as we were about to find out... We went forwards off Halton Brook Avenue on to Brackendale and after crossing over the B5155 onto Halton Lodge Avenue we turned left onto the busway. With Runcorn being radically different, there are three types of Roads. Tgere are main roads for passing through quickly. Local roads for residential traffic and special busways which run in between the housing estates that only have buses on them and residents walk off the estates to to the busway to stops rather like stops on a tramline. This particular busway ran under the A533 central expressway and into the Halton Lea shopping centre. The Eastbound busway calls at the library on an elevated road. After a brief stop we continued to the hospital where the bus terminated. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2535 before it ran up to the turning circle.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Halton Lea

We crossed over the busway and we waited for a bus back to Runcorn. We saw required Arriva NW&W 5006 on a terminating #21 service from Chester, and we few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching, As it got closer we saw that if was required Arriva NW&W 2554 on the #110 to Warrington that we had turned down earlier.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2554.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2554

We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off along the busway Westwards. We stopped on the Southside of the Halton Lea shopping centre where there was an elevated road on which the buses run and a platform with 3 bus stands on it. It was considerably bigger than the Northside library stop. The busway went around an Asda store and North under the Halton Link Road. the busway was on a sweeping curve to the right and we went through the middle of the Castlefields area. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and we then turned left onto another busway. We ran Westwards through the Astmoor area of town which is an industrial estate and docks. The busway crossed over road every couple of hundred yards and there were traffic lights which usually turned to green and we approached them. We also passed under the Southern end of where the Mersey Gateway bridge is being built. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. As we came in we spotted a minibus on the opposite side. Once we got up and got off the bus we took a picture of Ashcroft's Travel Renault minibus HIG 5672 which was about to work a #52 service to Beechwood.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Runcorn bus station

We crossed over to the other side of the bus station and we waited at the appropriate stand. A quick check of the time table revealed that the bus was due off in 5 minutes and it was going via the southside of Halton Lea shopping centre. A few minutes later the bus came on stand and we got on and booked to the shopping centre. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672.

Inside Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672

We sat down and the bus went out of the bus station Eastwards onto the B5155. We crossed the canal and we turned left onto Halton Road. We traveled around 1/2 mile and we turned left onto Halton Brow, running under the A533. At the end of Halton Brow we turned right onto Main Street through and old part of the town with older building that you typically find in a rural village in Cheshire. The road curved around to the East ans we turned right onto Holt Lane. e ran through part of the Halton Lea shopping centre that were very run down and the we circle around onto the Southway and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5672 in Halton Lea

Once off the bus we decided to go for a little walk and find the toilet. We went downstairs and we walked around a little until we found a mall map and we worked out where the toilet were. The direct route had been cut off by re-development work on a new shop, so we went around in big circle! Matthew used the facilities which were unusual as all the toilet stall doors were different colours with a large gents type sign with crossed legs! We walked back towards the bus station and we went up the escalators to the bus station level. We got there in time to see required Arriva NW&W 3139 on a X1 service to the Liverpool One bus station.

Arriva NW&W 3139 in Halton Lea

a few minutes later we saw another Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2524 on a #110 to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2524 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We traveled back through Castlefields via the busway and then we headed back into Runcorn via the busway through Astmoor. When we got back into Runcorn Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2524 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2524 in Runcorn bus station

It wasn't quite 16:00 so we decided to do another trip out East. A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 2519 made an appearance on a #79C to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2519 in Runcorn bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on and flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver. As it was the first time we had done a #79C beyond Runcorn we getting to experience yet another different way to travel between Runcorn and Halton Lea. We set off out of town as we had done on the #3A earlier and as we got close to the town hall on Heath Road, we turned right into Ivy Street and left into Langdale Road. We ran through Halton Lodge Norleane Crescent and Linkway. This is an older part of town and perhaps the roughest part... There were gangs of kids wearing masks hanging around the bus stop. We ran clockwise around Grangeway and we joined the busway and we ran though Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we discovered the run up to Murdishaw was entirely along the busway. We traveled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we guessed we had reached the end of the run. we got up and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2519.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2519

The bus ran off around the other side to go layover where there was also required Arriva NW&W 2525 on a #79 to Hough Green. By the bus stop was a Co-operative Food store. We went in and brough a can of Coke and a small bottle of Irn Bru as well as some chocolate. After we had paid food the stuff we went back to the bus stop and Matthew had a double Milky Way and drank a can of orange Fanta. Whilst he ate we saw Halton Transport 49 go on layover.

Halton Transport 49 in Murdishaw

We also saw Halton Transport 90 on a #62 to Halebank.

Halton Transport 90 in Murdishaw

We were considering doing Arriva NW&W 5004 on a #2 Halton Lea circular when from the opposite direction we saw required Arriva NW&W 3138 on a X1 to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 3138 in Murdishaw

We decided to do this up to Runcorn so we got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva day Saver ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus turned around the turning circle and we ran West up the busway to Halton Lea hospital. The bus emptied a little and Matthew to a picture of the empty seat adjacent to us inside Arriva NW&W 3138.

Inside Arriva NW&W 3138

We pulled up in Halton Lea South and the bus didn't load up very much. We ran back into town via Castlefield up the busway. After around 3/4 of a mile we left the busway and went forwards on Tyrell Way. We followed the road around to the left and we turned left onto Castlefields Avenue East. We crossed over the A558 Daresbury Expressway and instead going along the busway we traveled Westwards along Astmoor Road. Where the road crossed the busway we joined the busway and we also passed under the Southern end of where the Mersey Gateway bridge is being built. We went under the B5155 adjacent to the canal and we turned right at a roundabout off the busway onto Lieria Way with the town centre in sight. We ran down the hill and we turned left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we saw Halton Transport 81 on stand opposite to us.

Halton Transport 81 in Runcorn bus station

We also saw Halton Transport 43 on a #61 to Huyton bus station.

Halton Transport 43 in Runcorn bus station

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2554 on the #110 which we had scored earlier in the day.

Arriva NW&W 2554 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Day saver tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we passed close to the Waterloo pub as was and we joined the A533. We crossed over the Mersey and we ran into the old town of Widnes up Victoria Road. We crossed over the roundabout and we ran through a bus lane into the Asda car park. We joined onto Gerrard Street past Marks & Spencers and we turned left onto Green Oaks Way. We we got to the bus stops by Green Oaks we got up and got off the bus. We saw Halton Transport 92 on a #14C to the old town in Widnes.

Halton Transport 92 in Widnes

We walked over to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and Irn Bru. We set off out of the car park and as we couldn't turned right we ran up to the B5178. What we should have done is turn around at the roundabout and go back onto the A557 and onto the M62. What I ended up doing is going East towards Warrington on the B5178 and onto the A562 past Fiddlers Ferry power station. We went into Penketh past the Tesco Express that we caught a bus to from Warrington back in April 2012. We turned sharp left onto Liverpool Road and we ran North up the junction 8 of the M62 via Lingley Green Avenue. Once on the M62 we ran East to the M6 and then we went South. The journey back was uneventful, except as we left the M6 we caught up with Wint's coach FL02 ZXV heading back towards the moorlands. We ran South down the A500 to Sideway and then east onto the A50. As we were going towards Longton I realised the coach was behind us. As we came off the slip road for Longton Matthew got a picture of Wints FL02 ZXV.

Wints FL02 ZXV on the A50

We went over to Z Carz to see what was parked up there this evening. On the spare ground in the first row tonight we saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to check out what was in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 WPE.

Z Carz LG09 WPE in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Iveco minibus YJ53 WPD.

Z Carz YJ53 WPD in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we crossed over to the other side onto Baths Road. We stop at Tesco petrol station yo take on Diesel and then we returned onto the A50. We traveled West to Heron Cross an we came off onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road and then right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just before 19:00. For a late tea we had sausages, potatoes and carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We then chilled out on the computer and watching telly until 01:00... Mark