Trip to Bradford / Halifax 20-11-2021

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37710	Shipley, Market Square	Bradford Interchange	626	First West Yorkshire
32694	Bradford Interchange	Halifax BS	579	First West Yorkshire
37047	Halifax BS	Shelf, Village Hall	508	First West Yorkshire
33880	Shelf, Village Hall	Halifax BS	508	First West Yorkshire
66778	Halifax Crown Street	Todmorden BS	592	First West Yorkshire
69582	Todmorden BS	Halifax Crown Street	592	First West Yorkshire

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Bradford. We checked the weather and it was for dry sunny weather. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to Bradford he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the dentist and we saw red minibus BJ12 OAN.

BJ12 OAN in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room until it was time we saw a red minibus ??16 BEJ.

??16 BEJ in Fenton

Around 11:30 we came to pick Matthew up. After getting ready we went downstairs to the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Smithpool Road. We turned right onto Wheildon Road and we ran down the hill and picked up uncle Dave. under the railway line towards Stoke and we joined the A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw blue minibus MX07 NDU and West Midlands Ambulance Service YJ19 HFL. The A500 was quite bus as far as Longport and afterwards it eased off a little. We ran into Cheshire and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. As we went up the M6 we saw red minibus RX70 AVP, . Matthew also lost his hat out of the window as we travelled up through Cheshire. At junction 20 we went Westbound along the M62. As we travelled East around the North ot Manchester we saw Epsom Coaches (National Express) BX65 WCY & Coachmasters P691 XVL. On the M60 we passed 3 x Gordon's coaches, 2 York Pullman coaches, A Tetley's coach, a T&J Coaches coach and East Yorkshire Coaches 71. We came of the M62 at Junction 24 and we went North on the M606 and we turned right into the A6177. We turned right onto the A6037 and followed the road around to the right and into Shipley town centre. At the roundabout we turned left onto Salts Mill Road and we parke up at the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we sat down at the table with mum and uncle Dave. Matthew had a large breakfast washed down with a glass of orange juice. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we walked towards the exit near to the bus station. We set off onto Salts Mill Road past the site of the new wharf retail park. We returned along Salts Mill Road and we continued forwards onto Victoria Street. We turned left onto Wharf Street and we turned right onto the A657. We turned right onto Bank Street and we turned left onto onto Market Square and we saw Transdev Keighley 2757 on a #60 to Leeds. After we walked to the bus stop. We waited for a bus to Bradford. A few minutes later the bus appeared and it was First West Yorkshire 37710 on a #626 to Bradford. We got on the bus and we purchased WY Metro Weekender tickets at £8.50 each before we went upstairs and sat down. A couple of minutes later the bus set off out of the square and forwards onto Market Street. We turned right onto the A6038 and left onto the A650. We ran down into the past Frizinghall and up the hill and under Bradford. We ran through Manor Row and Cheapside. We continued forwards onto Market Street. We turned left onto Bank Street and right onto Broadway. We turned left onto Bridge Street and we turned into the interchange. We got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went downstairs and Matthew used the toilet. We went back upstairs and we decided to go in a different direction. When we arrived we saw First West Yorkshire 32694 on a #576 to Halifax. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro tickets under the scanner we went upstairs and sat down. A couple of minutes later the bus set off out of the interchnage and we turned onto Croft Street. We turned right onto the Northbound A641 and we joined the clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Little Horton Lane and we ran past the ice rink. We turned right right onto Chester Street. We ran forwards onto Great Horton Road and we heade out of town. We ran through Shearbridge and forwards onto the A6177. We continued onto the A647 and into Great Horton. We continued through Horton Bank Top and Old Dolphin. The bus paused in Queensbury opposite the opposite the war memorial and we ran through Amblet Thorn. As we ran down down the hill towards Halifax we had stunninf views over the Valley to the North West. We continued Southwards descending through Boothtown and we reached the edge of Halifax. We crossed the North Bridge and we continued onto Northgate before turning left into the bus station. The bus station is currently being re-built. Once off the bus we had a look around. We decided to catch the next #508 bus towards Shelf. Whilst we waited we saw First West Yorkshire 32080 on layover. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It was required First West Yorkshire 37047 on a #508 to Leeds. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station. We set off out of the bus station onto Northgate and we crossed over the North Bridge. We ran forwards onto the A58. We ran through Godley Gardens and into Stump Cross. We headed Eastwards A6036 and we went through Northowram and Stone Chair and further North through Shelf. We got up and got off the bus by the Village Hall. We crossed over the A6036 and we decided to visit the Lidl Store. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we brough a couple of small bottles of Coke and a pack of Crunchies. We decided to catch a #508 back towards Halifax. As it got closer we saw that it was First West Yorkshire 33880 on a #508 to Halifax. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A6036 and we travelled Westwards through Stone Chair and we ran through Northowram. We turned onto right the A58 and the road veered ran through Stump Cross and into Godley Gardens and we reached the edge of Halifax. We crossed the North Bridge and we continued onto Northgate before turning left into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked out of the bus station onto Northgate and we ranup to the Broad Street Plaza business centre and parked in the car park. We walked through the business centre and we went to the Wetherspoon's pub The Percy Shaw and Matthew used the toilet. We then went to the bar and Matthew had a small Coke. Once we had finished we went outside to meet back up with uncle Dave. We walked back up to the bus station and we waited for the next bus towards Todmorden. Whilst we waited we saw First West Yorkshire 66713 on a #571 to Bradford. We set off out of the bus station onto Northgate and we turned right onto Crossley Street. We turned left onto Waterhouse Street and we turned right onto Crown Street and we walked to the bus stop. As it got closer we saw it was First West Yorkshire 66778 on the #592 to Burnley. We got on the bus and we placed the WY Metro Weekender tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Crown Street onto George Street. At the other end of town we joined the A629 and King Cross Street. We went east along the A58 to King Cross. We turned right onto Kings Cross Road and we turned right onto the A646 through the short curved tunnel before runnin down the hill into Willowfield and coming of the road into Friendly. We ran through Luddenden Foot and Mytholmroyd. We continued into Hebden Bridge into Charlestown and Eastwood and we ran the last couple of miles into Todmorden. We past the bus depot and the social club and we turned right, following the A646 before we entered the bus station. We got up and got off. We decided to go for a comfort break and we set off along the path opposite to the bus station towards the market. We went through the market and across the car park to the toilet block where Matthew used the toilet. We walked back past the front side of the market and as we turned the corner we saw a double decker in the bus station. As we got closer we saw required Transdev Rosso 2706 on a #7 to Rawtenstall. A few minutes later saw required First West Yorkshire 69582 on a #592 to Halifax. We got on the bus and we flashed the WY Metro weekender tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and onto Stansfield Road before joining the Southbound A646. We followed the road to the left and as we left town past the Todmorden Social Club. A few hundred yards up the road we passed the Todmorden bus depot. The road up to Hebden Bridge is a meandering tight valley. Sometimes there is barley enough room for the road, the River Calder and the Rochdale Canal, other times there is a wider area with houses and even a cricket ground. The railway line run above them all on a viaduct the length of the valley. We ran through the little vilages of Eastwood, Charlestown and Mytholm before entering Hebden Bridge past the old Lloyds Bank which is going to be new restaurant. We ran onto Mytholmroyd and we ran down through Luddenden Foot and into Friendly and King Cross. We turned left onto King Cross Road and we turned left onto the A58. We reached the edge of Halifax. We turned left onto King Cross Street and onto Bull Green. We turned left onto the A629 before turning right into Crown Street and we in the town cente where we got up and got off the bus. We walked along Crown Street and right onto Commercial Street. We ran up the A629 and we ran down the hill to MacDonalds. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards he had beefburger and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. After we had finished eating we got in the car and mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls. We set off out of the Southbound A629. We ran down into the valley past Ellend and up the hill and under the M62. As we were about to join the M62 we saw J&B Travel double decker J600 JBT. We got onto the West M62 and we travelled forwrds onto the M60, through the roadworks and back onto the M62 again. We passed loads of coaches going the other way. we were overtakn by Tyrers coach TYR 14R on the M62. Going the other way we also saw 4 x Gordons coaches, 2 x Tetley Coaches, 6 x Acklams coaches, 2 x Kettlewell Coaches, 1 T&J Coaches, 1 x Tyrers coach. We left the M62 to go onto the Southbound M6. On the M6 we were passed by M&J Travel YG71 MBU. At junction 16 we left the M6 and went South down the A500 and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We went under the railway line and we stopped at uncle Dave's house. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards drank some of uncle Rob's pop. We set off onto Whieldon Road. We turned left onto Smithpool Road and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. We went upstairs and Matthew also drank a bottle of Buddies Cherryade. Matthew chilled out in his room watching television and using his computer. Later on Matthew chilled out in his room. Matthew used his computer and watched music videos on the television. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 22-11-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
265	Accrington, Bus Station (Stand H)	Blackburn temporary BS	6	Transdev Lancashire United
2760	Blackburn temporary BS	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), opp Woodlands Avenue	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2757	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), adj Woodlands Avenue	Blackburn temporary BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
N349 AVV	Blackburn temporary BS	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	D12	Darwen Coach Services
N349 AVV	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	Blackburn temporary BS	D12	Darwen Coach Services
1096	Blackburn temporary BS	Moorgate (Blackburn), by Baden Terrace	24	Transdev Lancashire United
1303	Hollin Bank (Blackburn), adj Hollin Bridge St	Blackburn temporary BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. The weather had been forecast for mild dry weather throughout the North. We gave Matthew a list of place to go to, and out of the places list he chose Accrington. We did no further research for this trip other than to re-check the weather. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just a little before 12:00 heading onto the A5035 before turning into Stanley Matthews Way. We went West on the A50 and then North on the A500. Once on the A500 we carried on North up to the M6. On the M6 the traffic was surprising light for the time of year. We made good time up to the M56 and over Thelwall viaduct. As we approached the M62 we caught up with classic AEC single decker Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548.

Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548 on the M6

We went East on the M62, and then we joined the clockwise M60. We came off the M60 at Prestwich so that we could fill up with diesel at Tesco. We then returned onto the Clockwise M60 before turning onto the Northbound M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 became the A56 and we carried on past Haslingden before doing the last few miles into Accrington along the A680. We turned into the car park off Abbey Street but it was full, so we headed back onto Abbey Street and we saw a space on the street. We also spotted a chip shop cafe where we could have dinner. As we got out of the car to go eat, we saw required Rossendale Easyride 203 on the #484 to Bury.

Rossendale Easyride 203 in Accrington

We then saw South Ribble minibus RV05 PVZ parked in the street opposite.

South Ribble RV05 PVZ in Accrington

We went into the cafe and Matthew went upstairs to use the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went to the front of the chip shop to pay. Matthew added a small bottle of Coke to the bill and then we said goodbye to mum. We walked towards Peel Street along Infant Street. We saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 on the #9 to Burnley.

'Starship' 715 in Accrington

There were a couple of Darts on Bridge Street so we decided to check them out. At the other end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ, which quickly departed. At the near end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus P729 RYL.

Pilkington Bus P729 RYL in Bridge Street Accrington

Whilst we were in Bridge Street we saw dud M&M Coaches N129 YRM arrive to work one of the local service.

M&M Coaches N129 YRM in Bridge Street Accrington

We then walked down to Peel Street. We then saw M&M Coaches L310 YDU on the #46 to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Accrington bus station

We decided to wait and see what turned up on the next #6 to Blackburn. We didn't have to wait long before required Transdev Optare Versa 265 appeared to work the next #6.

Lancashire United 265 in Accrington bus station

We decided we were going to do Transdev buses today so we got on the bus and booked a Blackburn day ticket at £4.20. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus filled up. We set off out of town along Blackburn Road and then we nturned onto the A679. We turned again to head through Oswaldtwistle and then we went onto Thwaites Road before rejoining the A679. We crossed under the M65 and into Knuzden before heading down into Intack. We continued onto the A678 and then we headed over the canal and railway line before going onto Barbara Castle Way and then onto Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 265.

Inside Lancashire United 265

We got off the bus and we contemplated what to do next. We had followed dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758 into the bus station on the X41. On the #152 to Preston was required Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Lancashire United 2760 in Blackburn bus station

We decided to do this bus, but we had never been in this direction on the #152 before. We got on the bus and flashed the Blackburn day ticket. I asked the driver how far I could travel and the driver told me a pub in Feniscowles. We went upstairs ans sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town and past the college. As there were empty seats opposite to us, Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Inside Lancashire United 2760

We carried on out of town along the A674. We found a timetable and we saw that the buses were meant to pass just East of Feniscowles, however we were running late. We passed the bus going towards Blackburn earlier than expect. Basesd on the timetable time and how long we had travelled, we guessed when it was time get off the bus. We got off the bus around a mile or so too soon. Once we were off the bus Matthew got another picture of this bus.

Lancashire United 2760 in Cherry Tree

We crossed the road to the stop opposite. We had around 20 minutes to wait for the next #152, but there was a #118 due at 15:14 in a few minutes time. The bus stop timetable said it was a Holmeswood bus, but as it approached we saw it was Tyrers Solo SR YJ13 HJZ.

Tyrers YJ13 HJZ in Cherry Tree

We now had just over 15 minutes to wait for the bus. Matthew had a Rice Crispies Squares bar and the small bottle of pop that we had picked up earlier. The time seemed to pass quickly and before long we saw buses in both directions on the #152. We turned to concentrate on our own bus, which turned out to be dud Lancashire United 2757.

Lancashire United 2757 in Cherry Tree

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets before we went upstairs to sit down. The bus carried on into town along the A674 going past the college and into the centre of town. We passed he railway station and then stopped at the temporary lights in front of the Morrisons West entrance. Matthew used the opportunity to photograph the empty bus in front of us.

Inside Lancashire United 2757

The bus carried on into Penny Street passed the new bus station that is being constructed and into the current temporary bus station. We had a quick look around to see what we could photograph or catch. On a #23 to the hospital was Transdev Lancashire United 270.

Lancashire United 270 in Blackburn bus station

We had a look around and we were considering catching Transdev Lancashire United 1306 which was about to work a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn bus station

As we waited in the queue we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1876 on a #1 to Darwen Circus. As we considered catching this bus, we saw required Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV arrive on the other side of the bus station.

Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV in Blackburn bus station

The bus was on a D12 service to Higher Croft. We asked the driver how long it would take to go out and back and he told us it just over 20 minutes. We decided to do this bus and we asked for return tickets. We sat down and the bus set off out of town towards Rockcliffe Street and onto park Lee Road. We headed up to Higher croft and around the estate with the names of Lancashire coastal towns. We went along Lytham Road and Morecambe Road and we could see the bright lights of Ewood Park in the distance. A gentleman on the bus said that Blackburn were currently losing 1-0 to Leeds United. We headed back into town past the old infirmary, before we joined the A666 for the run into town. We passed through the town centre before going into Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV.

Inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV

On the way into the bus station we had seen a few interesting buses parked up. We decided to walk onto Penny Street to take pictures of the buses on layover. First in the row was Holmeswood Iveco minibus PO56 PCU.

Holmeswood PO56 PCU in Blackburn

Behind this was former Keighley allocated bus, Transdev Lancashire United 1044.

Lancashire United 1044 in Blackburn bus station

We then walked back to the bus station to see what we could catch next. I though we may do the double decker on the X41 towards Accrington, but Matthew had other ideas... We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1096 on a #24 to Chorley.

Lancashire United 1096 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. As the back seats were empty Matthew decided to take a picture.

Inside Lancashire United 1096

The bus set off through town and the we crossed over the green suspension bus over the railway line. We joined the A666and we headed down towards Ewood park. The plan was to get off before we got to Ewood Park as it was getting close to full time. It was dark and we ended up right by the stadium at the point where the bus turned towards Feniscowles. We got off the bus and started to walk back towards the A666. As we walked back to the road we spotted a gate area of spare ground where buses involved in transporting football fans were parked up. There were minibuses, coaches and double deckers all in this small enclosure. It was dark and the area was unlit. Matthew still attempted to get some kind of picture. First double decker in the row was Transdev Lancashire United 964.

Lancashire United 964 in Ewood

Behind 964 was Transdev Lancashire United Leyland Olympian 2173 in a retro lined blue and cream livery.

Lancashire United 2173 in Ewood

In front of the 3rd double decker was Rigby's minicoach ONZ 1173.

Rigby's ONZ 1173 in Ewood

Last in the row of double deckers behind the Rigby's minicoach was lime green liveried Lancashire United 984.

Lancashire United 984 in Ewood

We carried on towards the main road and mum called us on the phone. We told her it might take us a while to get to Accrington, so she said she would drive to Blackburn to meet us. We crossed over the canal bridge and we waited at the stop. We were the first people at the stop but people were now leaving the ground. By the time we saw a bus approaching there were a couple of dozen people waiting with us. As the bus got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United Optare Tempo 1303.

Lancashire United 1303 in Ewood

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus filled up before we pulled off. It was a little rowdy, but everyone was high spirits as Blackburn had made a comeback and had one 2-1. The bus went up the A666 and then into town. We stopped short of the boulevard and Leeds fans who wanted the railway station were told that this was there best stop by some of the locals. We carried on past the boulevard and into Penny Street and into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1303.

Inside Lancashire United 1303

We started to walk towards Morrisons were we had arranged to meet up with mum. On the way we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1874 on layover.

Lancashire United 1874 in Blackburn

Also on layover was Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU.

Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU in Blackburn

We walkd the short distance to Morrisons and mum called to say that she had just arrived at the Car Park and got there unaided without the use of the GPS, which is quite a feat for a town as complex as Blackburn! We met at the toilet where Matthew used the facilities. Matthew stopped tosay hello to a member of staff in the Select store adjacent to the main part of the supermarket, and then we climbed the stairs to the car park. Mum had already purchase Greggs sausage rolls and there was also a Small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off up to the main road and we went East towards Accrington. Instead of going along Blackburn and into Accrington we went towards Church. At the junction with the A6185 we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2173 turn away from the M65 towards Clayton-le-Moors. We turned right to head towards town and then we went around the town centre of Accrington and onto the A680 WE carried on South-East for around 3 mile before we joined the South bound A56. The A56 became the M66 and we carried on down to the M60. We went anti-clockwise along the M60 and near to the M61 we saw an unidentified Arriva Hybrid doubled decker heading towards Bolton. We joined the Westbound M62 and then we went onto the Southbound M6. The roads were clear and we made quite good time. We joined the Southbound A500 which we did down to the A50. we went East for a couple of miles until we got to Longton. We came off the A50 to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. There was only one minibus parked on the spare ground tonight. The was Mercedes minibus Z Carz W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and the compound was full, with Z Carz BN03 OVS being close to the gate. We went back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. As we headed towards Blurton we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. In Beaconsfield Drive we passed First Potteries 42892 on the last #22 towards Longton of the day. we got home a little after 19:20. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Blackburn 18-10-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
212	Blackburn temporary BS	Waterloo (Blackburn), by Livesey Branch Road	24	Transdev Lancashire United
202	Waterloo (Blackburn), by Livesey Branch Road	Blackburn temporary BS	24	Transdev Lancashire United
YJ51 XST	Blackburn temporary BS	Blackburn (Blackburn), adj St Marys College	D10	Darwen Coach Services
18	Blackburn (Blackburn), opp St Marys College	Intack, by Hamer Avenue	5A	Transdev Lancashire United
2757	Intack, by Accrington Road	Blackburn temporary BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Blackburn. The weather had been forecast for mainly dry weather with an occasion shower. We gave Matthew a list of destination from the North West and Midlands and out of these Matthew chose Blackburn. We didn't do any research for this trip, other than to check the weather, and with hindsight perhaps we should have done. The evening before we had spotted we had a headlight out, so we order one for collection from Euro Car Parts in Etruria. Matthew got up around 10:30 today, and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 today, to give us extra time to get the headlight bulb. We went onto the A5035 and along Stanley Matthews Way. We saw D&G 171 on the Blurton Plumline. We joined the Westbound A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. After coming off the A500 at Wolstatnton to pick up the bulbs, we got back on the Northbound A500. We saw ABC Supreme FJ53 FBU. We carried on North up to the M6. Traffic on the Northbound M6 wasn't too bad today and we made up some of the time from the stop we made earlier. As we travelled through Cheshire we caught up with Hollinshead NIB 8318 which we think was going to Preston with away fans from Port Vale. We went past the coach and then Matthew took a picture of it as it overtook us.

Hollinshead NIB 8318 on the M6

Further up the M6, North of the M62 we caught up with another Hollinshead Coach. This time it was short Mercedes coach WA08 GPZ.

Hollinshead WA08 GPZ on the M6

We carried on up the M6 until we got to the M65, then we went East. As we were going to Morrisons to park and eat, we went past Blackburn and came of the M65 at junction 6 to head back into town from the other side. On the way into town we missed the turning for Morrison so we wasted a few minutes trying to turn around to head back towards Morrisons. We parked on the top storey in the long stay spaces, and we headed down into the shop in the lift. After using the toilet, we went to the cafe in Morrisons were Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a cup of Coke. This was followed by a slice of Cake. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we walked to the end of the supermarket and came out by the bus station. Construction of the new bus station on the site adjacent to the temporary one is now well and truly under way... As time was getting on we decided to catch a bus as quickly as we could. When we got to the bus station there were 3 of the former Norwich park and ride buses abou to work, 2 of which were required buses. Transdev Lancashire United 205 was about to work to Bolton on a #1, Transdev Lancashire United 212 was about to do a #24 to Chorley..

Lancashire United 212 in Blackburn bus station

Transdev Lancashire United 211 was on a #7 to Accrington. We decided to do required Transdev Lancashire United 212 so we got on the bus and booked Blackburn Day tickets at £4.20 each. We got on and Matthew took a picture of the empty back of the bus. We were going to go to Feniscowles, which was the limit of the ticket. It was also conveniently a good place to catch a bus going back the other way with a mere 9 minute wait. We set off out of town crossing the railway at wainwright bridge. We went down the A666 towards Ewood Park, and we turned onto Livesey Branch Road. As we started to climb the hill towards Feniscowles. An alarm sounded on the bus. The driver pulled over at a stop and shut the bus down to try and clear the alarm. He restarted the bus several times and the alarm wouldn't clear. The driver then got on the phone to the depot to request a fitter. The bus had been declared a failure! Everybody decided to get off and wait for the following service. As such Matthew was able to get another picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 212 as it was now completely empty.

Inside Lancashire United 212

As we were going to catch the next bus back, we decided to cross the road and wait for it. Matthew took a another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 212 before we walked down to the bus stop opposite.

Lancashire United 212 in Waterloo

Whilst we waited for the next Blackburn bound #24, we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2702 on a #4 to Leyburn Road.

Lancashire United 2702 in Waterloo

This was followed by dud Transdev Lancashire United 17 on the #5C. A few minutes later we saw another single decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United 202.

Lancashire United 202 in Waterloo

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets before sitting down near to the back of the bus. So all three required former Norwich park and ride buses were out in service today... The bus carried on down Livesey Branch Road and we headed into town. The route through town seemed very confusing as we seemed to passed close by to the same spot near to the railway station before seemingly taking around 5 minutes to go around town and travel a mere 50 yds! We waited at a set off temporary lights as there was considerable building work taking place on the site of the old bus interchange. We passed by the site of the new bus station before pulling into the temporary site. We waited for the bus to empty before Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 202.

Inside Lancashire United 202

We watch the driver change the destination to #22 Clitheroe. We assume that the #24 is booked to inter-work with the #22. Across the way Transdev Lancashire United 205 was about to work a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 205 in Blackburn bus station

Across the other side of the bus station there were a couple of Solos. One was Holmeswood YJ08 PGE about to work the #15 to Mellor Brook. Behind that was Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST on service D10.

Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST in Blackburn bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus so we talked to the driver on where we could do the bus. He told us that the #5A/C share the route in Lammack so we could go to there. We purchased the tickets and honked the horn on the bus! Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of the bus.

Inside Darwen Coach Services YJ51 XST

The bus set off out of town Westward through tight terraced streets. Eventually we reached a more leafy area and we turned North East and then started to turn back towards town. The driver told us where we should get off on Shear Brow and we watch the bus carry on back towards town. We had a bit of time before the #5A was due so we visited the shop and brought a can of Cherry Coke and some choclate. WE had a little picnic at the side of the road and we had a quick walk around the area. As we weren't sure which direction the bus was approaching from we decided to walk back to the original stop. Due a few minutes before the #5A was the Holmeswood Coaches service #25 to Clitheroe. This was being worked by Holmeswood Coaches YJ08 PGE.

Holmeswood YJ08 PGE in Blackburn

Almost as soon as the Solo had gone we saw a Transdev double decker turn right onto Shear Brow. AS it got closer we saw it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 18.

Lancashire United 18 in Blackburn

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. We went upstairs and it was empty so Matthew took a picture of the inside of this bus before sitting down.

Inside Lancashire United 18

We have not yet managed to do a complete run on the #5A/C as it take an hour to do the full circle. The bus set off up Shear Brow before we turned to go anti-clockwise around the town. We passed Transdev Lancashire United 17 and we carried on around town passed Mill Hill railway station. We went along Livesey Branch Road and then we headed though Ewood. We then went though the housing estates to the South of the town and into the hospital. We then went through Shadworth before crossing the A679. We got off the bus in Intack and we took another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 18.

Lancashire United 18 in Intack

We had considered doing a bus towards Accrington but it was close to 17:00 now. We looked at the timetable towards Accrington and the next bus wasn't until 17:13. As we looked at the bus times we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 211 going towards Blackburn on the #6A service.

Lancashire United 211 in Intack

As there was a gap in the service we decided to cross the road to see when the next bus towards Blackburn was due. There was a X41 due at 17:07. We decided to call it a day and do this bus back into town. Matthew had a chocolate bar as we waited. We saw a double decker approaching in the distance. As the bus got closer we saw it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2757.

Lancashire United 2757 in Intack

We flashed the ticket for the final time and we went upstairs. We sat down and the bus carried on along the A679. We carried on down the A678 and onto the ring road. We entered the bus station from the Penny Street. We waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2757.

Inside Lancashire United 2757

Before mum came to meet us, we had a quick wander around the bus station taking pictures. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 1306 on a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn bus station

We also saw Transdev Lancashire United 1088 on a #7A to Accrington.

Lancashire United 1088 in Blackburn bus station

We started to walk back towards Morrisons along Penny Street and we saw Darwen Coach Service N354 AVV parked up between services.

Darwen Coach Services N354 AVV in Blackburn

We headed back through Morrisons and Matthew used the toilet before we went up to the long stay car park. Matthew tucked into a sausage roll and drank his Irn Bru whilst i changed the light bulb. WE set off out of the car park and we headed onto the A678. We stopped at Tesco to get some diesel before carrying onto the M65. We caught up with Elite Gold AG53 ZYT. WE followed the coach onto the M6 and South before it turned at the M58. Just south of the M56 we caught up with Stagecoach Glasgow 54204 working service M11 to London.

Stagecoach Glasgow 54204 on the M6

We carried on South until we got to the A500. On the A500 we saw Bakers Coaches BIG 5013 parked up on a layby North of the A34. We carried on South and then onto the Westbound A50. We came off the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz. There was only one minibus on the spare ground. This was Z Carz Ford minibus GL04 CVE.

Z Carz GL04 CVE in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Long Term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX was on the back of a low loader so that was probably on its way to the scrapyard. Also in the compound were Mercedes minibuses W221 CDN & S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

We turned in the road to head back onto the A50. In the time it took us to turn we saw Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP appear.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and and then we came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We passed Lightning Travel T2 DLT which was parked at the lightning house, and we carried on through Blurton. In Blurton we passed First Potteries 42894 on the last #22 of the day towards Longton. We got home at 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by lemon meringue pie. Matthew then chilled on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark