Trip to Blackburn / Rawtenstall 21-07-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2784	Blackburn BS	Rawtenstall BS	481	Transdev Rosso
2783	Rawtenstall BS	Accrington BS	464	Transdev Rosso
236	Accrington BS	Blackburn BS	6A	Transdev Lancashire United
2759	Blackburn BS	Feniscowles, Three Arches	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2758	Feniscowles, Three Arches	Blackburn BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Blackburn. We had checked the weather for today and it was for warm dry and cloudy weather. We gave Matthew a list of destinations in the Midlands and North West and from list Matthew chose Blackburn. Reserch consisted of checking the Transedev webpage to check for tickets that we could use. It reminded us that Transdev had taken over Rosso since our last visited and the Transdev Lancashire ticket was valid on Rosso service too. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. After getting ready we set off around 11:45 on the A5035. We had a parcel to pick up from a shop in Trentham, so we continued over the railway line into Trenthan before turning right into Brough Lane. We continued onto The Lea and we stopped at the shop. Mum picked up the parcel and we set off to Blackburn via the petrol station. We turned left onto New Inn Lane and we joined the Northbound A5035. We ran over the railway line into Blurton and we turned left onto Stanley Matthews Way. We ran Northwards up to the A50 and we went Wetwards towards Sideway. We joined the Nothbound A500 and we ran through Stoke and Etruria. We came off the A500 at Wolstanton and we stopped at the petrol station by Asda. After taking on petrol we re-joined the Northbound A500 and we ran up to the M6. We joined the Northbound M6 and then traffic was moving quite well. Traveling up the M6 we saw CVS Van hire BF14 YHT, an unidentified National Express liveried coach (#528), Stanton's of Stoke TPY 245, white minibus YS15 CRJ / EN67 MYJ / WR17 JFU, ABC Coache Hire OU17 OTG, an unidentified AAA Coaches coach, blue minibus E1 ESX, silver minibus MJ18 RKZ, an unidentified M&I Travel minibus & taxi minibus YN06 UFM. We ran up to junction 29 and we joined the Eastbound M65. As we travelled along the M65 we saw 2 x unidentified B&N Coaches. We came off the M65 at junction 6 onto the Westbound A678. WE ran into town through Intack. We veered right onto the A6078 and we turned left onto Eanam. We turned left into Morrisons and we parked up in the car park. We got in the left and we went down to the shop. Matthew went to the toilet and we headed to Morrisons cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a cup of Coke, followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. Once we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we set off along Railway Road towards the bus station. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 574 on a #22 to Clitheroe.

Transdev Lancashire United 574 in Blackburn

We continued along Railway Road to the bus ststaion and we we stood on the elavated area to the South of the bus station. We saw Transdev Lancashire United 235 on a #6 Hyndburn circular service.

Transdev Lancashire United 235 in Blackburn bus station

We also saw Transdev Lancashire United 2756 on a a #152 'Hotline' service to Preston.

Transdev Lancashire United 2756 in Blackburn bus station

A few minutes later we saw a Rosso liveried bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Transdev Rosso 2784 on a #481 to Bury via Rawtenstall.

Transdev Rosso 2784 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Transdev lancashire Day ticket at £6.70 each. We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Rosso 2784.

Inside Transdev Rosso 2784

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Penny Street. we turned right onto Railway Road and we ran past the railway station. We continued onto the Boulevarda and forwards onto Jubilee Street. We turned left onto Darwen Street and we ran forwards onto the A6077. We veered left onto Hasligden Road and we went past the back of the hospital before entering the grounds and stops at the hospital bus terminus. We rejoin-ed the A6077 and we crossed over the M65 at junction 5 onto the B6232. We turned right onto Belthorn Road and we ran through the village of Belthorn before re-joining the B6232. We then climbed out into the open moorland and we had great views across Lancashire. We then ran down into Haslingden past Ogden Reservoir and Holden Wood reservoir. We ran into the centre of Haslingden and we turned right onto the A680. We turned right onto Beaconsfied street and left onto Helmshore Road. We passed a climbing centre. We crossed over the A56 and we turned left onto Broadway. We joined the A680 and crossed over the A56. We turned right onto Haslingden Road and we ran down into Rawtenstall town centre. We ran past the railwat station and we continued Eastwards along Bocholt Way. We ran for quite a distance before turning sharp left onto Bacup Road. We ran back EWestwards for almost as far as we had travelled the other way and we stopped at the bus station. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Transdev Rosso 2784 before it continued to Bury.

Transdev Rosso 2784 in Rawtenstall bus station

We had a quick walk around the bus station to take a few more pictures. We saw Transdev Rosso 1606 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 1606 in Rawtenstall bus station

On the other side of the bus station Transdev Rosso 2785 was on layover.

Transdev Rosso 2785 in Rawtenstall bus station

We set off on foot up towards the town cente because Matthew wanted the toilet. We walked up James Street and across a car park. On the car park were Connect Taxis MW07 NKC & GL60 BGV. We crossed over Bank Street. We saw dud Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2780 on a a X43 to Skipton. Matthew went to Betfred to use the toilet. When we came out we saw Transdev Rosso 142 on a #10 Edgeside. We walked back across the car park and back to the bus station to wait for a bus. After a few minutes we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was Transdev Rosso 2783 on a #464 to Accrington.

Transdev Rosso 2783 in Rawtenstall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day tcket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Rosso 2783.

Inside Transdev Rosso 2783

We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty too. Matthew took another picture inside Transdev Rosso 2783.

Inside Transdev Rosso 2783

The bus set off along Bacup Road and at the roundabout we ran fowards onto Haslingden Road. We travelled for around 2/3rds of a mile and at the A680 we turned right. We ran through Haslingden town centre up the high street and we continued Northwards to the A56. We ran through Stone Fold and past the Hollands Pie factory and into Baxenden. As we approached the centre of Accrington we turned left into Abbey Street. We continued forwards onto Whalley Road and we turned left onto Eastgate and we went over the roundabout onto King Street. We turned left into Crawshaw Street and into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we went around the side to get another picture of Transdev Rosso 2783.

Transdev Rosso 2783 in Accrington bus station

We walked back into the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. We were considering catching something back towards Haslingden. whilst we waited we saw Transdev Burnley and pendle 245 on a M3 to Trawden and 270 on a #9 to Burnley. We then saw Transdev Lancashire United 236 arrive on a #6A to Blackburn.

Transdev Lancashire United 236 in Accrington bus station

The following 464 was required Transdev Rosso 1720 'Rochdale Pioneers' but Matthew decided he didn't want to do that. We saw a double decker arrive and go onto layover. It was Transdev Lancashire United 2754.

Transdev Lancashire United 2754 in Accrington bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do one of the newer Versas on the Hyndburn circular service so we could charge the phone up. Transdev Lancashire United 236 was loading up that he had photographed earlier, so we got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station under the railway line and onto King Street. We ran forwards onto B;ackburn Road as we had done many times before on various vehicles from Mercedes minibus to double deckers. We continued out of town for a little over 1/2 a mile and we ran forwards onto the A679. We turned left onto the B6231 and we went under the railway line again near to Church & Oswaldtwistle railway station. We ran through Oswaldtwistle and we continued out of the other side of the town into open countryside. We crossed over the M65 and we ran into Knuzden. We turned right onto Windsor Road and we ran down the hill towards the main road, At the end of the road we turned left onto the A679 and we ran Westwards to the edge of Blackburn. We ran forwards onto the A678 and we After around 1/4 of a mile we veered right onto Higher Eanam. At the roundabout we turned left onto Eanam and we ran forwards onto Salford befoer turning right into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 236.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 236

Once off the bus we sat in the bus station for a short while whilst we consider what bus to do next. We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 574 on a #22 but Matthew didn't fancy doing it. We also aired Stagecoach Lancashire 15910 ona a #59 to Preston, and Blackburn Private Hire YJ61 JJF on a #3 to Sunnybower. Eventually dud Transdev Lancashire United 2759 appeared on a #152 to Preston and Matthew decided he wanted to do that.

Transdev Lancashire United 2759 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2759.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2759

We sat down and the bus set off out of the bus station and onto Railway Road. We went past the shopping centre onto Ricmond Terrace and we ran forwards onto Exchange Street. We passed the town hall and we turned left onto Northgate. We turned right onto Duke Street and Left onto Blakey Moor. We turned right onto Fellden Street and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right onto the A674 and we headed out of town through Mill Hill. We passed Cherry Tree railway station and we continued out of town. We passed Transdev Lancashire United 2762 on a #152 to Burnley and Dreamline YJ08 EAM. We carried on a bit bit further into Feniscowles an we got up and got off the bus. Once off we crossed over the road and we went to the Spar shop in a petrol station. Matthew had a can of Coke and a smal bottle of Cola as well as chocolate bar and a drumstick lolly. We walked to the stop for the Blackburn bound bus and we waited for the next bus to appear. Whilst we waited Matthew ate the lolly and drank the small bottle of Cola. A few minutes later the bus appered and it was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758.

Transdev Lancashire United 2758 in Feniscowles

We got on the bus and we flashed the Transdev Lancashire Day ticket to the driver for the final time today, before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along the A674 out of Feniscowles and past Cherry Tree railway station. We continued into the West end of Blackburn and we turned left onto Montague Street. We turned right into Fellden Street past the college. We turned right onto Cardwell Place. We ran forwards onto Darwen Street and we turned left onto Jubilee Street. We ran past Blackburn railway station along the Boulevard and we followed the road to the left onto Railway Road. We ran onto Penny Street and we entered the bus station. We got off the bus and we walked around to the North side of the bus station and Matthew got another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 2758 before it continued on towards Burnley.

Transdev Lancashire United 2758 in Blackburn bus station

We walked back down to the South end of the bus station and we took a few more picture before we left. We saw National Express liveries Park's of Hamilton HSK 656 on a #540 to Liverpool.

Park's of Hamilton HSK 656 in Blackburn bus station

Also we saw Rotala Preston Bus 20793 on a #35 to Longridge. We set off towards the car and Matthew stopped at Costa to use the toilet. The shop was shuting so we weren'e able to stop for something to eat. We decided to go back to the car and drive to a nearby chip shop. We set off from the car park near to Gala Bingo onto Richmond Terrace. We ran forwards onto Exchange Street and forwards again onto Long William Street. We turned left onto Barbara Castle way and we turned right onto Montague Street. We turned left onto Johnston Street and we parked at the side of the road. Mum discovered that had a sit in area so we went inside to eat. matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished eating and we set off towards home. We continued along Johnston Street for around 1/4 mile and we turned left onto saunders Road. We continued onto garden Road and at the end we turned right onto the A674. We ran through Feniscowles to junction 3 of the M65. We got onto the Westbound side and we travelled up to the M6. We joined the South bound M6 we saw PN12 WZZ, an unidentified Keenan coach, Holmeswood VIP HC15 HWC and Alan Davies Travel A2 ADT go back towards Birmingham.

Alan Davies Travel A2 ADT on the M6

Further down the M6 we saw silver minibus FD53 UNZ, Ava Coaches YK51 ???. We came off the M6 at the junction with the A50 and we visited Lymm services. We parked up and we walked through the services area and out the other side to see if there were any coahces there today. There were 3 coaches, and first in the row was Llew Jones Coaches LJI 5520.

Llew Jones Coaches LJI 5520 in Lymm service

Also in Lymm service was Ellison's YN67 VDF.

Ellison's YN67 VDF in Lymm service

Afterwards we saw Ellison's YN64 LYP in the service.

Ellison's YN64 LYP in Lymm service

Matthew went to the toilet and then we visited WH Smiths. He had a bottle of Coke and some wriggley worms and eggs. We got back in the car and we continued down the M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Timewell's coach, an unidentified Magicbus coach (M11) and an unidentified Tyrers coach. At junction 16 we came off the M6 onto the Southbound A500. We ran down through Longport and Etruria and into Stoke. We continued to Sideway and we turned left onto the Eastbound A50. We came off the A50 to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned left to see what was parked up in the comound on Willow Row. We saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus DG10 VMJ in the compound.

Z Carz DG10 VMJ in Longton

Parked on the road outside was Z Carz Renault minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

We set off onto the A50 and we ran up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran through Blurton. We turned right onto Church Road and at the end we stopped at the lighs where we saw Intercity RE14 OSN on the A5035. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got home around 20:45. As we had already had chips we didn't have another meal. Matthew had his jammed filled shortbread biscuit and we wrote an e-mail and did some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Burnley / Nelson 03-05-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2762	Burnley BS	Altham, by Simon Jersey	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2758	Altham, by Simon Jersey	Burnley BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
D8	Burnley BS	Nelson Interchange	215	Pennine
D1	Nelson Interchange	Burnley BS	215	Pennine
2767	Burnley BS	Nelson Interchnage	X43	Transdev Burnley & Pendle
D6	Nelson Interchange	Burnley BS	215	Pennine

Today we decided to re-visit Burnley. We had read in Buses magazine about the demise of Pennine and their impending closure in mid May. We checked the weather for the Burnley area and it was for cloudy with some sunshine. Matthew got up around 09:30 today, and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off at a little after 11:30 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned into Stanley Matthews Way and past the Britannia Stadium where Stoke were preparing for their final home match of the season. We joined the Westbound A50 and then onto the Northbound A500. We came off the A500 at Shelton New Road where we went to fill up with LPG. Just after 12:00 we re-joined the A500 off the A53. On the A500 we passed ABC Supreme SB56 SKV. We joined the Northbound M6 and the traffic was quite heavy as you would expect on bank holiday weekend. At the M62 we went East and then onto the clockwise M60. We turned North onto the M66 passed Bury and North along the A56 towards The M65. A couple of junction along the M65 we left the motorway to travel for the last couple of miles into Burnley. After parking up on Red Lion Street. We walked over to the Atlantis cafe and Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a large cup of Coke and after 3 visits to this cafe the lady serving know exactly how to do mums tea! We finished eating just before 14:00 which gave us an opportunity to possbly catch the Saturdays only 14:00 #517 to Halifax if we so desired. This service is often worked by Marshall Darts. Today, disappointingly it was being worked by First West Yorkshire Solo 53301.

First West Yorkshire 53301 in Burnley bus station

Have decided it wasn't worth doing the #516 today, we carried on around the outside of the bus station taking pictures. There was nothing outstanding or unusual today, so we carried on around to the other side of the bus station. On the way back into the bus station we saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 'Mainline' liveried 1046 on an incoming #26 to Clitheroe.

'Mainline' 1046 in Burnley bus station

There was a #152 Preston service due at 14:20, so we decided to wait for that. Just before 14:20 the bus rolled up and it was required Transdev Lancashire United 2762.

Transdev Lancashire United 2762 in Burnley bus station

We waited for the bus to be readied for service and then we got on the bus. We brought Silver Day tickets at £6, and then we went upstairs. The bus set off out of the bus station and we saw Pennine D6 which was about to work the 14:25 #215 to Skipton. The bus carried on through town picking up a few more passengers before we crossed over the M65 and set off towards Padiham. There were people font and back of the bus, so Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite us.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2762

We passed though Whitegate and into Padiham. We crossed the A6068 and carried on into Altham. We decided to get off in the industrial estate, where there was a stop with a shelter, and then bus usually passed before Clayton-le-Moors. We turned into the industrial estate and we rang the bell to get off. When we got off Matthew got another picture of Transdev Lancashire United 2762.

Transdev Lancashire United 2762 in Altham

We only had to wait for around 2 minutes and the other bus turned up. It was dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758.

Transdev Lancashire United 2758 in Altham

We got on the bus and we went upstairs. Matthew decided to get a picture of the top deck as we got on as it was almost empty.

Inside Transdev Lancashire United 2758

The bus left the industrial estate and went towards Padiham. We crossed over the Calder and went through Whitegate before crossing over the M65 and going into town. First West Yorkshire 66747 was parked outside the bus station ready to work the 15:25 #589 to Rochdale. We got into the bus station and the Pennine bus was already in the bus station. It was required Pennine Dart D8. We just had time for Matthew to visit the toilet before we walked up to the bus to catch it.

Pennine D8 in Burnley bus station

The bus was quite well filled and we got on and booked to Nelson We sat down near the back the the bus set off out of town and onto the A682. The bus headed up into Brierfield and it emptied out a little. Matthew then took a picture of some of the empty seats beside us.

Inside Pennine D8

A few more people got on and we we carried onto into Nelson. When we got to the interchange we got off and Matthew got another picture of Pennine D8.

Pennine D8 in Nelson Interchange

We had a quick walk around the outside of the bus station but there was only one bus to photograph! Because there was a quiet spell in the bus station, we went to the shop and Matthew brought some Coca Cola, a couple of chocolate bars, a large cola bottle sweet and a flapjack. After using the toilet we sat down in the bus station an Matthew had a little picnic consisting of the flapjack wash down with a small bottle of Barr cherryade. Noted whilst Matthew ate his snack was a new arrival with Transdev Burnley & Pendle fleet. Wright Streetlite 805 was operating the #2 service. The bus back to Burnley was due at 16:00. Pretty much bang on time the bus made an appearance and it was required Pennine D1.

Pennine D1 in Nelson Interchange

We got on the bus and sat down near the back. The bus seem quite well filled. It seemed the the impending end to the Pennine buses had spurred people on to use the service in a bid to save it. We headed back through Brierfield and back into Burnley. When we got back into the bus station Matthew waited for the bus to empty and then took a picture inside Pennine D1.

Inside Pennine D1

As we weren't going to travel out on Pennine D1 again, we decided to walk around the bus station and take a few pictures. Transdev Burnley & Pendle Streetlite 805 had caught us up and was now in Burnley bus station. Also in the bus station was terminating X43 from Manchester, worked by Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2778.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2778 in Burnley bus station

About to work the next #589 to Rochdale was First West Yorkshire 69578.

First West Yorkshire 69578 in Burnley bus station

Working on the #8 local service to Bacup was Transdev burnley & Pendle MPD Dart 720.

'Starship' 720 in Burnley bus station

We walked back into the bus station and Matthew went to say hello to someone in the cafe. We decided to go back to Nelson to caver the third bus on the #215 service. To get there we decided to catch required Transdev Burnley & Pendle double decker 2767.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2767 in Burnley bus station

We got on the bus and we went upstairs. It was empty, so Matthew took his picture immediately.

Inside Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2767

The bus left Burnley bus station an we headed out onto the Northbound A682. We went through Brierfield and into Nelson. We got to the interchange station around 16:53. We got off the bus and walked around to the side of the interchange and we took another picture of Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2767.

Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2767 in Nelson interchange

As we only had a short time here and the shop had shut at 16:00. We got a Milky Way out of the bag and a bottle of Barr Cherryade. We then saw Holmeswood YJ56 WTX arrive on the #7 Clitheroe bus.

Holmeswood YJ56 WTX in Nelson interchange

At the other end of the interchange, Holmeswood YJ56 AUM was on the #95 to Colne.

Holmeswood YJ56 AUM in Nelson interchange

A minute or so later, required Pennine D6 came in on the 17:00 service #215 to Burnley.

Pennine D6 in Nelson interchange

We got on the bus, and there weren't many seats left on this service. Me and Matthew had to sit away from uncle Dave as the bus was so busy. The bus headed back through Brierfield and towards Burnley. Near to the Transdev bus garage, we saw an unusually liveried Holmeswood Optare Solo YJ55 BGX parked up. We got back to the bus station and Matthew turned down the chance to photograph the inside of Pennine D1 as he had seen someone he wanted to say hello to. He dragged us onto the #152 to Preston to say hello before we walked back to the car via the bus station shop. At the car mum had sausage roll and Matthew washed his down with a large can of Irn Bru. Also there was a medium sized Manchester tart. We set off out of Burnley and onto the M65. We went a couple of junctions along the motorway unit we joined the A56 South. On the A56/M66 we saw B&J Travel minicoach YN10 ENX also going South. as we left the M66 to joined the clockwise M60 another driver alerted us to the fact that our back nearside tyre was nearly flat. As we didn't want to travel all the way home with this, I had a though and remembered there was probably a petrol station in Prestwich at the next junction for the A56. We had previously been here when we went to Bury back in march 2012. We came off the M60 and we spotted a shell petrol station right by the roundabout. We found somewhere to turn and went back to the petrol station. First Manchester 60276 passed us going South. As it was a 50p/timed compressor I took of all the dust caps off the tyres before I started to pump up. By the time I had finished there was someone else waiting so I jumped in the car and drove off, forgetting all the dust caps! We rejoined the the M60 and then we carried on West onto the M62. When we got to the M6 we went South through the the roadworks at Thelwall viaduct, which should hopefully be completed soon. further south we passed Z Carz W221 CDN going North. We got onto the Southbound A500 and then onto the A50. We came off the A50 at Longton to see what was at Z Carz. Tonight it was all minibuses. First in the row was Z carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Next to this was one of his old school buses. LDV minibus M420 UEH.

Z Carz M420 UEH in Longton

Another bus that did a few days on his school bus run was Z Carz LDV mininbus DS51 ZJU.

Z Carz DS51 ZJU in Longton

At the back of the spare ground was Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there was another bus parked up. It was modern LDV miminbus CN57 HWA.

Z Carz CN57 HWA in Longton

At the back of the compound was long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX. We turned around in Willow Row and headed back onto the A50.we did this up to Heron Cross. Lightning Travel minibus T2 DLT was parked up at the Lightning house as we passed it going into Blurton. At the end of Beaconsfield on the #23 to Hanley was first Potteries 40029. We got home around 19:15 and for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by the remains of a chocolate fudge cake that he had the other day. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00...Mark