Trip to St Helens / Huyton 05-03-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2575	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2707	St Helens BS	Ashtons Green, opp Mount Pleasant Ave	31	Arriva NW&W
2976	Ashtons Green, adj Havannah Lane	Earlestown BS	34	Arriva NW&W
2496	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	20	Arriva NW&W
4597	St Helens BS	Prescot, adj Church Street	10	Arriva NW&W
2980	Prescot BS	Huyton BS	89	Arriva NW&W
2713	Huyton BS	Prescot BS	89	Arriva NW&W
4620	Prescot, Adj Stanley Crescent	St Helens BS	10A	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit St Helens. After last weeks expense we decided to travel to an area where there was a multi-operator ticket. We checked the weather and it was was for mainly cloudy with an odd shower. We gave Matthew a list of destinations with Multi-operator tickets and from the list he chose St Helens. Matthew got up around 10:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a little after 12:00 and we drove onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way, following D&G 33 which was on a #14 service to Hanley. We joined the Westbound A50 and then we went North onto the A500. We ran up to Wolstatnton where we came off the A500 to get some diesel. At the Wolstanton retail past we saw First Potteries 41514 on #97 service to Newcastle. After rejoining the A500 we made good time up to the M6. On the way North we saw silver minibus BK15 WBF. Intercity KX09 DGY, Stagecoach (Magic Bus) 17639 and an unidentified Kingsley's coach. We came off the M6 at Junction 22 where we went along the A49 link road to the A49 at Winwick. We went North into Newton and we stopped at the railwat station to get Saveaway Day Tickets. Whilst there we saw JR's Airport Express minibus YJ03 LVK dropping off passengers at the railway station.

JR's Airport Express YJ03 LVK in Newton-le-Willows

After getting the tickets we continued North up the A49 through Newton Village before turning left onto the A572. We continued West before entering Earlestown down Market Street. We parked up in the free shoppers car park so that we could heave dinner in Crumpets. Matthew had a breakfast and a small bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we were entertain by some locals who sat on the table near to us. The little who was with them was handing these little flowers which one of the blokes thought were sweets. They were actually rubber pendants with metal ring on which thy could be threaded onto a necklace. The bloke proceeded to eat the pendant.much to everyone's amusement! when we had finished eating we walked down to the toilet block and Matthew used the toilets. We said goodbye to mum and we walked back to the bus station. As we turned the corner we saw required Arriva NW&W 2575 on a #34 to Earlestown.

Arriva NW&W 2575 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we headed onto the A572. We ran into town through Ashton Green and Parr and we came into the town centre along Corporation Street and over the railway line and then in Bickerstaffe Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2575.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2575

Once of the bus Matthew took a few pictures of buses in Bickerstaffe Street. One of the buses adjacent to the station station was dud Arriva NW&W 2978 which we had been on before from Golborne to Wigan last month.

Arriva NW&W 2978 in St Helens bus station

We also saw dud Arriva NW&W 2501, a bus we had from Nantwich to Crewe back in March 2011.

Arriva NW&W 2501 in St Helens bus station

We walked over to the Coporation Street side of the bus station and we saw that the tardis style toilet was out of order. We would have to go for a walk or catch a bus to somewhere else with a toilet. We noticed that required Arriva NW&W 2707 was about to work a #31 to Parr Stocks. Whilst we waited for the bus to come onto stand, we took a few pictures in Corporation Street. We saw Arriva NW&W 4602 on layover between #10's.

Arriva NW&W 4602 in St Helens bus station

Also on layover we saw Hatton's Travel Dart Y538 XAG.

Hatton's Travel Y538 XAG in St Helens bus station

A few minutes later required Arriva NW&W 2707 came on stand and whilst we waited to board Matthew took a picture of it.

Arriva NW&W 2707 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Corporation Street and over the railway onto the A58. We turned right onto the A572 and we ran out of town through Parr, before turning right onto Fleet Lane. Opposite to the The Duckeries we went around Concourse way, a small crescent of the lane where the bus stop is located. We got back onto Fleet lane and we continued East to Derbyshire Hill Road where we turned left. We traveled North for a few hundred yard before turning right onto Mcminnis Avenue. The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2707.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2707

The bus turned left into Mount Pleasant Avenue and when we got to the end and turned right into Waring Avenue we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2707 as it carried on back towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2707 in Ashtons Green

Once off the bus we walked up Waring Avenue and onto the A572. As the toilet in St Helens was broken we decided to return to Earlestown where we knew there was a walking toilet. As we started walking towards the bus stop I spotted a bus in the distance approaching. I asked Matthew and uncle Dave if they were up for a run to try and catch the bus and they said yes. I Started running with Matthew and it looked like we might not make it. So I left Matthew jogging with uncle Dave and I sprinted ahead. I got to the bus stop with a few seconds to spare and a flagged the bus down. Matthew took a picture of required Arriva NW&W 2976 before we got on it.

Arriva NW&W 2976 in Ashtons Green

We flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver to the before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off along the A572 and we ran the 2 or so miles into Earlestown along the A572 and Market Street. As we got closer to the bus station Matthew photographed the empty seats behind in Arriva NW&W 2978.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2976

The bus pulled up in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2976 before it carried on towards Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2976 in Earlestown bus station

Behind the bus in the picture the building in the background it being refurbished and Matthew researched the fact that it is is being converted into a Wetherspoons! We walked along Tamworth Street to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. When we had finished we walked back just in time to see required Arriva NW&W 2496.

Arriva NW&W 2496 in Earlestown bus station

A few years ago the #20 used to run forwards into the village, but now it seems to terminate here and go straight back to St Helens. The driver changed the display to St Helens and I asked Matthew it he wanted to do this Cadet and he said yes. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We were doing quite well.. We were on bus #4 already and we had only been on the move for an hour and they were all required. The bus set off onto Market Street up to Vista Road. We headed North for around a mile up to new Boston and we turned left onto the A599. We ran through Haydock and in Blackbrook we turned left onto Park Street. At the end of Park Street we joined the A58 and we ran around 2 miles South West into St Helens. We ran into the town centre along Corporation Street and and the bus turned into Bickerstaffe Street where the bus emptied out. Matthew then took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2496.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2496

We decided it would be a good idea to go towards Prescot for the second half of the afternoon. We walked to the middle stands to wait for an Arriva NW&W double decker on the #10 or #10A. On the way we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27771 on their #10A service to Liverpool.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27771 in St Helens bus station

Across the way on Bickerstaff Street we saw required Arriva NW&W 2986 arrive in the bus station on a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2986 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Halton Transport 15 about to work a #17 service to Widnes.

Halton Transport 15 in St Helens bus station

We also saw Hatton's Travel Enviro 200 MX61 KOD on a #28 Blackbrook - St Helens - St Helens Junction circular service.

Hatton's Travel MX61 KOD in St Helens bus station

Before the double decker came around onto the stand we saw required Arriva NW&W 2980 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport. The bus came around from off layover and it was required Arriva NW&W 4597.

Arriva NW&W 4597 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4597.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4597

The bus set off through the town centre and we joined the westbound A58. As we went past West Park Rugby club we saw a Selwyns coach. We carried on Westward along the A58 to the edge of Prescot and we went into town along St Helens Road and right into High Street. Near to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4597 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4597 in Prescot

Once the bus had gone off into the distance we walked around the corner into the bus station. On stand was HTL Buses Solo YJ11 EKK on a #139 to St Helens.

HTL Buses YJ11 EKK in Prescot bus station

A few minute later a #89 service turned up, and it was the same bus we saw leaving St Helens earlier, required Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Prescot bus station

We decided to do this bus to a new destination, Huyton. We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off South through the town centre and past Tesco. We crossed over the M57 and we went South Westwards along Huyton Lane. After about a mile we turned left into lathom Road and we ran between a shopping centre and a large supermarket. At the end of the road was the bus station. There were around 7 stand with a large layover area next to the bus station by the railway line. When we got onto the stand we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2980.

Arriva NW&W 2980 in Huyton bus station

Once off the bus we asked a Merseytravel employee where the nearest public toilets were and they directed us to MacDonalds. Matthew used the toilets and we brought him a plain Cheeseburger and some fries. We walked back to the bus station we saw required Stagecoach Merseyside 34805 which was on a #227 to Kirby.

Stagecoach Merseyside 34805 in Huyton bus station

As we were about to start eating we were politely asked by another Merseytavel employee not to take pictures. They suggested we could take picture from the car park adjacent to the bus station so we headed off to there. Between eating the burger and fries Matthew took a few pictures. We saw Cumfybus Solo MX06 YXV on a Halewood service.

Cumfybus MX06 YXV in Huyton bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 4655 on a #15 service to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4655 in Huyton bus station

We also saw required Halton Transport 50 on a #61 service.

Halton Transport 50 in Huyton bus station

A few minutes alter we saw required Arriva NW&W Volvo B10 2730 on a #89 to Liverpool Airport.

Arriva NW&W 2730 in Huyton bus station

We were considering walking back over to the bus station to catch a #89 back towards St Helens. Just before we went we saw Cumfybus MX53 FDU on a #139 to Prescot.

Cumfybus MX53 FDU in Huyton bus station

We walked over to the bu station and we sat down at the stand to the St helens bound #89. A few minutes later we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2713 on a #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Huyton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. I asked Matthew if he wanted to go to Prescot on this or St Helens and he said Prescot. The bus set off out of town and onto Huyton Lane. The bus emptied out a little so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2713.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2713

We came into Prescot from the South and when we came into the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2713 as it carried on towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Prescot bus station

Once off the bus we left the bus station and we headed for the Sun Inn on the corner. Matthew used the toilet and we purchased a can of Coke to takeaway. We then headed across the High Street to wait for the bus back to St Helens. We turned down Stagecoach Merseyside 27713 & 27719 which were both on #10A service. We hoped that the next arivva bus was going to be a #10 and not a #10A so we would get back quicker. Matthew shared a double Milky way with me and uncle Dave whilst we waited for the bus. A few minutes later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva NW&W 4620 on a #10A.

Arriva NW&W 4620 in Prescot

We got on the bus and we flashed the Saveaway day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4620.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4620

The bus set off up the High Street and we went straight onto the A57. We ran South Eastwards out of town past Whiston Hospital and down towards Rainhill railway station. we turned left onto Rainhall Road and we went North towards Thatto heath. We crossed the railway and we went North to the A58. At the junction we turned right and we ran into the Western end of St Helens. After running though the shopping centre of town and we passed the town hall before running in along Bickerstaffe Street and Corporation Street. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4620.

Arriva NW&W 4620 in St Helens bus station

Before we headed back to the car we took a few more pictures. On layover was Arriva NW&W 2719.

Arriva NW&W 2719 in St Helens bus station

As we walked back to the car we saw dud Ex Winsford cadet Arriva NW&W 2500 on a #33 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2500 in St Helens bus station

We got back to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew also had a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off in the car along Corporation Street and over the railway line. We joined the eastbound a58 which we did to Parr before turning right onto the A572. We ran the few miles past Earlestown and into Newton and we turned right onto the A49. We ran down to the A49 link road and we took the link over to the M6 Junction 22. We headed South and in Cheshire we were caught up by Brighton & Hove coach 502 heading South.

Brighton & Hove 502 on the M6

Presumably it was taking fans home from Brighton's away trip to Preston. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we went south down the A500. At Sideway we went East up the A50 towards Longton were we came off to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There were only 3 buses on the spare ground tonight, all park quite far back. The closest bus to the road was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and the compound was packed tonight. At the front was Z Carz Ford minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

we headed back onto the A500 and we crossed the main road to go to the Tesco petrol station to take on some more diesel. Once we had topped up we got back onto the A50 and we went west to Heron Cross. We passed through Blurton Road and forwards onto Church Road. we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home around 19:15. for a let tea we had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to St Helens / Prescot 13-06-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4611	St Helens BS	Prescot, adj Church Street,	10	Arriva NW&W
2700	Prescot BS	St Helens BS	89	Arriva NW&W
2237	St Helens BS	Ashtons Green, opp Mount Pleasant Ave	31	Arriva NW&W
2706	Ashtons Green, adj Havannah Lane	Earlestown BS	34A	Arriva NW&W
2713	Earlestown BS	Newton-le-Willows, adj The Parchments	34	Arriva NW&W
84	Newton-le-Willows, adj Cobden Street	Earlestown BS	22	Network Warrington
2713	Earlestown BS	St Helens BS	34	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to revisit St Helens. The weather report for today had been for widespread heavy rain, so we checked the weather in the morning. There was and area in the North that appeared to be rain free, so we gave Matthew a choice of destinations from the East Merseyside, Western Greater Manchester area to pick from, and from the list Matthew chose St Helens. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just after 12:00 and it was still wet in Staffordshire at that time. We set off onto the A5035 and we turned right. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and headed North up to the A50. We headed West to the A500 and then we headed North. On the A500 we saw Selwyns Coaches National Express liveried coach FN62 CCZ on a #323 service and and MT Travel minibus HK58 ECV. When we got to the M6 we carried on Northwards and we saw Posh Limos P20 SSH. We came off the M6 at Junction 22 and we went West on the A49 link road to Winwick. We then carried on North up the A49 up to Newton and we turned left to headed towards St Helens. As is usually the case we decided to stop for dinner at Earleston on the way we in. We left the A572 and went into town along market Street. We parked up in the free shoppers car park opposite to the bus station and we set off on foot to Crumpets Cafe which is locate just along the road from the bus station. On the way in we paused to see required Arriva NW&W 2259 on a #20 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2259 in Earlestown bus station

At the cafe Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. Whilst we ate we saw quite a few buses go past the cafe window including Arriva North West Volvo's 2706/2709 on the #34 service and Darts 2236 on the #20 and 2272 on the #34. When we had finished we visited the toilets by the market and then we walked back to the car. We headed back onto the A572 and into St Helen's, passing required Arriva NW&W Dart 2237 on the #31 Parr service. We went into the town centre to the bus station and we went past the bus museum before parking up in front of the town hall. Today we decided to stick to Arriva buses, so instead of buying the Merseytravel Saveaway ticket from the travel office we were going to have an Arriva North West Day Saver which would allow us to travel further should the chance arise. We said goodbye to mum and we walked down the row of buses on layover on Corporation Street. One such bus was required Arriva NW&W 4615 which was between working #10A Liverpool services.

Arriva NW&W 4615 in St Helens bus station

Passing through Corporation Street on it's way into the bus station to work the next #89 to John Lennon airport was required Arriva NW&W 2718.

Arriva NW&W 2718 in St Helens bus station

At the end of the row of buses on layover was Hatton's Travel MX55 YBA.

Hatton's Travel MX55 YBA in St Helens bus station

We walked around the bus station and we took a few more pictures. Departing from the bus station on a #352 to Wigan via Orrell was dud Arriva NW&W 2694.

Arriva NW&W 2694 in St Helens bus station

We had been on Arriva NW&W 2694 on our last trip to St Helens from Ashton Green to St Helens back in May. We had seen required Arriva NW&W 4611 arrive and go on layover, so we decided to have a spin up to Prescot on this double decker. We waited at the relevant stand and a few minutes later the bus came around and Matthew took a picture.

Arriva NW&W 4611 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we purchased Arriva North West Day Saver tickets at £5.20 each. We went upstairs and the rear of top deck was empty and so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4611.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4611

Last time we travelled to the Prescot area, we rode on the #10A service via Thatto Heath. We also completely missed the town and ended up on the other side of the M57! This time we took the more direct #10 service. We set off into the town centre and we cam out of the other side and we joined the A58. It was now pretty much a straight run along a twisty A road, just to the North of Prescot we took the link road from the A58 to the A57. We turned left onto the A57 and then we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4611 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4611 in Prescot

This time we didn't miss the town. We walked to Chruch Street and we spotted the bus station around the corner. When we got there it was deserted. There were 4 stops on an area of block paved road. There were two stops in each direction. The first stop we checked out was for the airport bound #89. We had to cross over for the #89 to St Helens. Before we had chance we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2982 come and go on the other side of the road on the St Helens bound #89.

Arriva NW&W 2982 in Prescot bus station

The Arriva bus was followed by required Halton Transport 32 on a #61A from Huyton to Murdishaw.

Halton 32 in Prescot bus station

We decided to have a quick picnic for Matthew. He had a can of Irn Bru and are a Milky Way. We crossed the bus station to see when the next #89 to St Helens was due. The daytime service on a Saturday was every 20 minutes, so we didn't have too long to wait for the next one. We had seen required Arriva NW&W 2718 head up to the airport earlier. The next bus to show up in the bus station was Halton Transport 52 on a #61 to Widnes.

Halton 52 in Prescot bus station

Across the way, required Halton Transport 15 appeared on a #61A to Huyton.

Halton 15 in Prescot bus station

We then saw Cumfybus MX53 FDF on a #139 from Liverpool to Prescot

Cumfybus MX53 FDF in Prescot bus station

On the opposite side of the bus station we saw required Arriva NW&W 2985 on a #89 service to John Lennon airport.

Arriva NW&W 2985 in Prescot bus station

A few minutes later we saw required HTL Buses Solo YJ12 PNN on a #138 from Billinge to St Helens.

HTL Buses YJ12 PNN in Prescot bus station

The 20 minutes past quickly and we saw a variety of buses with different operators. It was time for the bus we were going to catch. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2700 on the #89 to St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2700 in Prescot bus station

We go on the bus and flashed the Day Saver tickets at the driver and then we sat down towards the back of the bus. It was the first time that we had been on a #89. The route is different again to the #10 or #10A... The bus set off out of town towards the hospital like a #10A does and then it turns left into Delph Lane. We Zigged and zagged through the street to the South of the A58 and then we joined the A58 at the same junction where the #10A deviates from the A58, albeit from a different road. We continues into town along the A58 and we passed through the town before circle around the bus station on Corporation Street so that we cold enter the bus station from the East end. The bus emptied out on the stand and we got off. Coming through Bickerstaffe Street was Halton Transport 13 on the #17 to Widnes.

Halton 13 in St Helens bus station

Had we got back a few minutes earlier we could have done that bus, as Halton Transport accept Arriva tickets and vice versa on the #17 service as part of the quality bus partnership on that service. I asked Matthew if he wanted the toilet and he said yes, so we went up to the 'tardis' style toilet on Corporation Street, viewing Arriva NW&W Dart 2251 on a #320 to Wigan was.

Arriva NW&W 2251 in St Helens bus station

After Matthew had been to the toilet we spotted Arriva NW&W 2237 was about to depart on the #31 to Parr.

Arriva NW&W 2237 in St Helens bus station

As we walked up to get on Arriva NW&W 2237 we spotted Arriva NW&W 2259 arrive on a #20 from Earlestown. Great! Maybe we could do 2237 and then go forwards to Earlestown to try and head off 2259. We got on Arriva NW&W 2237 and we flashed the Day Saver ticket to the driver. The bus set off out of town and over the railway line and we joined the A58. On the Eastern edge of town we joined the A572 before heading deeper into Parr along Fleet Lane. On Concourse Way we saw Arriva NW&W 2551 on a St Helens bound #31 service. We carried on to Derbyshire Hill Road and then we went around Mount Pleasant Avenue. We saw HTL buses minibus BF62 JZT on a #111 Lea Green to Parr service. The bus turned left into Waring Avenue and we got up to get off the bus. As the bus was empty at this point Matthew got a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2237.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2237

After we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2237 as it carried on back towards St Helens.

Arriva NW&W 2237 in Ashtons Green

As we had decided to go after Arriva NW&W Dart 2259 we set off walking towards the A572. As we walked up to the road we saw what looked like a Pulsar heading towards Earlestown... Not to worry there should be another one in 10 minutes. We crossed the road and we headed over to the bus stop. As we had a short wait Matthew had a Milky Way. Across the road heading into St Helens on a #34 service was required Arriva NW&W 2706.

Arriva NW&W 2706 in Ashtons Green

It was around 16:00 and there must have been a bus due any minutes but there was a gap in the service for some unexplained reason. It was a quiet road with only a few car a minute going by, never the less there seemed to be plenty of activity going on in the area. A bloke appeared to catch the bus but like us he was getting a little impatient with the lack of buses. There seemed to be a police car past every few minutes but no buses going Eastwards. Going into town we saw We saw required Arriva NW&W 2713, followed by required Arriva NW&W 2676 and required Arriva NW&W 2495. Other interesting activities observed whilst at the bus stop included the transportation of a flat pack shed across the main road on a wheelbarrow! The problem was there were very high kerbs and the shed ending up sliding onto the main road holding up traffic for around a minute! Eventually over 30 minutes later a bus appeared and it was required Arriva NW&W 2706 that went past towards St Helens earlier. We got on the bus and the driver must have noticed us when Matthew took the picture going the other way as he said 'have been waiting for all this time!' We sat down near to the back of the bus that was nearly full and we carried on into Earlestown. As this was a #34A we turned to go through the estate. When we got to the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2706 before it carried on towards Acorn Street.

Arriva NW&W 2706 in Earlestown bus station

As it was getting late we were desperate to get moving. the first bus that came into the bus station that we could catch was required Arriva NW&W 2713 on a #34 to Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Earlestown bus station

We decided to do this bus, but in hindsight it was perhaps not a good idea. We got on the bus and we flashed the Day Save ticket to the bus driver. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off out of the bus station and past the market. As the seats behind us were empty Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2713.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2713

We headed out of town up Cross Lane and we went over the A572 into a housing estate. having navigated Belvedere Road and Queens Drive we rejoined the A572 before turning right into the A49. We got up and got off the bus here. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2713 before it carried on towards Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Newton-le-Willows

We decided to head off to a shop and stock up the trip bag. There was a Spar shop across the road we brought a few small bottles of pop and some chocolate. as we come out of the shop we saw a bus disappear around the corner on a St Helens bound #34 service. There was a bus due in 20 minutes so Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and some Milky Stars. 17:20 came and went and then it occurred to me, if they had been a gap in the service towards Leigh, there would probably be a gap in the service going back the other way! Unfortunately it was true... There was a #22 Network Warrington bus due at 17:35. If nothing turned up by then we would catch it and hopefully get back to St Helens quicker on another bus from Earlestown. 18:35 came around and we saw the Network Warrington bus approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was required Network Warrington 84.

Network Warrington 84 in Newton-le-Willows

We got on the bus and we booked to Earlestown at £2.10 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. As the bus went along the A572 the emptying out a little at each stop. The seats opposite to us emptied and Matthew took a picture inside Network Warrington 84.

Inside Network Warrington 84

The bus kept going almost as if it was going towards St Helens! It eventually turned in to the estate where the #34A goes when it come in from The St Helens end. Part way down Marian Avenue we passed required Arriva NW&W 2709 on the #34A to St Helens. When we got to the bus station we got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Network Warrington 84.

Network Warrington 84 in Earlestown bus station

We were now going to get the next Arriva bus back to St Helens. On a #141 to Earlestown was Hatton's Travel Dart Y538 XAG.

Hatton's Travel Y538 XAG in Earlestown bus station

Across the way on layover was required Arriva NW&W 2550 on a #20 to St Helens but it wasn't due off for a few minutes. The next and most direct Arriva bus back to St Helens turned out to be dud Arriva NW&W 2713 which we had done up to Newton around an hour ago!

Arriva NW&W 2713 in Earlestown bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Day Saver tickets to the driver for the final time today. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off back onto the A572 by the more direct Market Street route. We joined the a572 and we went westwards through Ashton Green and Parr. In Parr we passed required Arriva NW&W 2272 which must have swapped off the #34 and onto the #31 service. We joined the A58 and we came into the town centre along Corporation Street. The bus emptied out on Bickerstaffs Street and we headed over to the 'tardis' toilet for Matthew. When he came out we went onto Corporation street to take the last pictures of the day of the buses on layover. One of the buses on layover was dud Arriva NW&W 2715.

Arriva NW&W 2715 in St Helens bus station

We walked back to the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls. Matthew washed his sausage roll down with a small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off back onto the A58 and then forward onto the A572. Of the Western edge of Earlestown we stopped at the Texaco petrol station on the end of Market Street to take on some diesel before continuing back on the road to Newton. We turned South on the A49 and then we joined the A49 link road at Winwick. After going East along the link road we joined the M6 at junction at 22. It was quite on the M6 and we made good time down to the A556. As we carried on South it started to rain. We joined the A500 and we saw Intercity OV58 YJE going North. At Sideway we joined the A50 and we went up to Longton to see what was at Z Carz tonight. There were a few buses parked on the spare ground tonight. The rear Mercedes minibus was CE02 LYX. In front of that was Volkswagen minibus Z Carz OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

At the very rear of the site was accident damaged YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

Front of the row was Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

Another Iveco minibus is Z carz HX51 HRU.

Z Carz HX51 HRU in Longton

The final bus on the spare ground was Mercedes minibus Z Carz M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a few minibuses from the taxi fleet in the compound. One of the buses was Ford minibus Z Carz LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we passed Copeland's Tours MIB 986 going towards Meir. We left the A50 at Heron Cross and we travelled through Blurton along Blurton Road. We carried on forwards onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home just after 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilld out on his computer until bedtime around 00:45... Mark