Trip to Peterborough / Great Yarmouth 30-11-2019

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
33809	Peterborough BS	Norwich BS	XL	First Eastern Counties
33823	Norwich BS	Great Yarmouth BS	X11	First Eastern Counties
42920	Great Yarmouth BS	Gorleston (S-bound)	8	First Eastern Counties
30959	Gorleston (S-bound)	Lowestoft BS	1	First Eastern Counties
42483	Lowestoft BS	Great Yarmouth BS	1	First Eastern Counties
33821	Great Yarmouth BS	Norwich BS	X11	First Eastern Counties
33810	Norwich BS	Peterborough BS	XL	First Eastern Counties

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Peterborough. He wanted to ride on an Excel bus before they are changed. There are new Excel buses due in Spring 2020. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw silver minibus PO56 XFT heading towards Hanley.

PO56 XFT in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67157 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67157 in Fenton

Another vehicle seen was City Cabs PE11 RWY heading towards Stoke.

City Cabs PE11 RWY in Fenton

When it was time to go out We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned left onto the A52. we ran towards Stoke. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we got onto the Southbound A500. We ran Southwards to Sideway and we got onto the Eastbound A50. We ran Eastwards for around 40 miles and we got onto the Southbound M1. We ran South for around 30 miles and we joined the Eastbound A14. We continued Eastwards for a few miles and we joined the Northbound A605. We joined the A47 near to Peterborough and we ran towards town. We parked up at Queensgate shopping centre and we had some dinner. We visited the Handmade Burger Co and Matthew had a plain cheeseburger with fries washed down with a cup of coke. We walked to the bus Interchange and we waited for a bus towards Norwich. After a short wait we saw First Eastern Counties 33809 on a XL to Great Yarmouth. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. Whilst waiting to depart we saw Delaine Buses 168 on layover. We set off out of the interchange and we headed out of town and onto the A47. We headed Eastward through Wisbech and into Kings Lynn. After calling into Kings Lynn bus station we continued Eastwards through Swaffham. We continued Eastwards into Norwich and into the bus station. Once off the bus we waited for a bus to Great Yarmouth. A few minutes later we saw it was First Eastern Counties 33823 on a X11 to Great Yarmouth. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket to the driver before going upstairs and sitting down. We set off out of the bus station and we ran down to Queens Road. We headed out of town along the A147 and we turned right onto Martineau Lane. We turned left onto the A146 and we headed South Eastwards. On the edge of the city we joined the Eastbound A47. We ran fast for around 10 miles and we veered left onto Norwich Road. We called into Acle and we ran through town, rejoining the Eastbound A47. We ran the last 8 or so miles to the edge of Great Yarmouth and we ran into town. We ran forwards onto Fuller's Hill and forward again onto Priory Plain. We ran into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we looked to see what else we could catch. We saw First Eastern Counties 30948 parked up in between services. We decided to go towards Gorleston. A bus appeared and we saw it was First Eastern Counties 42920 on a #8 to James Paget Hospital. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we ran forwards onto Regent Road. We turned right onto King Street and left onto Regent Street. We ran onto Bridge Road and we crossed over the River Yare. We continued Southwards along the A1243 and we turned left onto Southtown Road. We ran forwards onto Beccles Road and we veered left onto High Road. We continued onto High Street and in the centre of Gorleston we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we waited for a bus towards Lowestoft. A few minutes later we saw First Eastern Counties 30959 on a #1 to Lowestoft. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off Southwards down High Street and we ran forwards onto Lowestoft Road. We continued onto Victoria Road and we cut back onto the A47. We ran Southwards down the A47 for about a mile and we turned left onto the access road. We turned left onto Lowestoft Road and right onto Station Road. We turned right onto Coast Road and we headed Southwards into Corton. We turned left onto Church Lane and we ran forwards onto The Street. We turned right onto Station Road and right onto Corton Long Lane. At the roundabout we turned sharp left onto Pleasurewood Hill. We turned left onto Leisure Way and we stopped outside Tesco. After doing a u-turned at the next roundabout we turned left onto Foxburrow Hill. We continued Southwards into the centre of Lowestoft and we ran into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the shop. We set off into the shopping centre and we visited WH Smith. Matthew bought a small bottle of Coke and some chocolate. We returned to the bus station and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards waited for the next #1 back to Great Yarmouth. A short time later we saw First Eastern Counties 42843 on a #1 to Great Yarmouth. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket at the driver before we sat down towards the back off the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Gordon Road. We ran forwards onto Old Nelson Street and we ran Northwards out of town. We ran forwards onto Yarmouth Road and forwards again onto Foxburrow Hill. We turned right onto Leisure Way and we stopped outside Tesco. We did a u turned at the next roundabout and we headed back to the main road. We ran Northwards for a few hundred yards and we turned right onto Corton Long Lane. We turned left onto Station Road and left onto The Street. We ran Northwards onto Church Lane and we turned right onto Coast Road. We turned left onto Station Road and we re-joined the Northbound A47. We ran for about a mile and we turned right onto Victoria Road and we ran Northwards onto High Street. We ran Northwards into Gorleston and we stopped briefly before continuing Northwards. We ran onto High Road and forwards onto Beccles Road. We turned right onto Bollard Quay and we turned right onto the A1243. We crossed over the River Yare amd we ran into the centre of Great Yarmouth. We turned right onto Stonecutters Way and we turned left onto Howard Street North. We ran into Market Place and we turned right onto Fuller's Hill. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for a bus we saw First Eastern Counties 32061 parked up in the bus station. The bus appeared and it was First Eastern Counties 33821 on a X11 to Norwich. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we ran forwards onto Fuller's Hill. We crossed over the river and we ran forwards onto the A47. We ran fast along the A47 and we turned right onto New Road. We stopped in Acle before re-joining the Westbound A47. We ran gfast to the edge of Norwich and we turned right onto the A146. We turned right onto Martineau Lane and we turned left onto the A147. We turned right onto Queens Road and we ran up to the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. We waited for a bus back towards Peterborough. A short time later we saw First Eastern Counties 33810 on a XL to Peterborough. We got on the bus and we flashed the FirstDay ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and we travelled Westwards out of town. We joined the A47 and we ran through Swaffham. We continued along the A47 and we ran into Kings Lynn and into the bus station. After a short waited we left the bus station and went Westwards out of town. We re-joined the A47 and we ran through Wisbech and into Peterborough. We got into town and we ran to the Queensgate Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the car park and we drove Westwards out of town. Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and a sausage roll. We got on the Westbound A47 just outside of Peterborough. We continued to the edge Leicester and we took the Southern by-pass. We past Fosse Park and we joined the Northbound M1. We ran North for around 20 miles and we got onto the Westbound A50. We ran to near to Uttoxeter and into Stoke-on-Trent. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. 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 Middleton / Rochdale 07-03-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
37385	Middleton BS	Rochdale Interchange	17	First Manchester
37451	Rochdale Interchange	Oldham Road/High Barn Street (Stop F)	182	First Manchester
33738	Oldham Road/High Barn Street (Stop F)	Oldham BS	409	First Manchester
30959	Oldham BS	Middleton BS	64	First Manchester
40336	Middleton BS	Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	415	First Manchester
22219	Greengate/Middleton Junction (Stop C)	Middleton BS	112	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Middleton. We had checked the weather an it was for cloud and sunny interval throughout the Midlands and North West. We gave Matthew a list of places in the North West and Midlands and he chose Middleton. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast an orange juice for breakfast. We set off a few minutes after 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned into Stanley Matthews Way and we caught up with D&G 170 on the Blurton Plumline outside of the Hem Heath pub. We stopped at the traffic light at the junction of Stanley Matthews Way and Eastern Rise. This was to let out Z Carz S952 VMY which was loaded and South North towards the A50. We followed the bus towards the A50 and we joined the Westbound A50 before going onto the Northbound A500. We went North and we joined the Northbound M6 at junction 16. It was a nice day and almost spring like. This was reflected in the number of coaches we passed going South. We passed four Fourway Coaches... Does that make a sixteen way? We carrie on North over the Thelwall viaduct and as we approached the junction for the M62 we were passed by 2 coaches. Firstly we saw Greenline B13 BOW.

Greenline B13 BOW the on M6

This was immediately followed by National Express liveried Park's of Hamilton LSK 814 which was working a #570 service to Blackpool. We took the M62 East towards Manchester and we joined the Clockwise M60. As we were getting onto the M60 we caught up with a coach. We fell behind a little on the M60 and we didn't catch it back up until after we had passed the M61. It was Ashcroft Travel HIG 1254 which can be seen is working as the team coach for prescott cables FC who were playing at Mossley, just East of Manchester on the edge of the Pennines.

Ashcroft Travel HIG 1254 the on M62

We carried on around the M60 and we came of at the A576. We drove the last couple of miles into town and we parked in the small car park near to MacDonalds. We walked passed the shopping centre and Matthew stopped to say hello to someone before we carried on to the pavement cafe on the other side of the shopping centre. The cafe was full so the owner disappeared behind the van to get another table and some chairs. Whilst we waited Matthew got a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 17242 which was on the #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 17242 in Middleton bus station

Matthew had a bacon, sausage and egg barm and also had a bowl of fries which we all shared. He washed this down with a can of Coke. Mum's food was a little delayed, so when we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we set off towards the bus station. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 17241 on a #112 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 17241 in Middleton bus station

We also saw First Manchester 37387 on a #59 to Rushcroft.

First Manchester 37387 in Middleton bus station

Matthew needed the toilet so we went inside the bus station. The disabled toilet was occupied and the ordinary toilet has a turnstyle, so it wouldn't be practical for us to use. We went to the travel shop to see if there was an alternative, but the travel shop was un-staffed. We walked back to the toilet and it was still occupied. We decided to catch a bus to another local town with a bus station so that we find another toilet. As we thought about where we could go we saw First Manchester 37385 on a #17 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 37385 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20. We went upstairs and we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Middleton Way We turned onto the A664 and we stopped outside the shops. We noticed the bus was empty in front of us and Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37385.

Inside First Manchester 37385

I looked up First Manchester 37385 in the Buses I have travelled on page and it was a required one... The bus carried on North up Long Street and then Rochdale Road. I had thought it was a quick journey up to Rochdale... It turned out it took around 30 minutes! The road turned due North by the canal and we carried on under the M62 and into Castleton. We joined the A58 and we traveled Eastwards into town. We turned right onto Drake Street and we approached the interchange from the South. We got off the bus and we headed straight for the toilet! Uncle Dave had noticed that the path adjacent to the interchange had now opened, and and the sun was in a great position for taking picture off the path. So we headed out of the bus station and up the steps onto this elevated walkway. parked up next to the steps in between doing #6 Kirkholt circulars was dud First Manchester 66880.

First Manchester 66880 in Rochdale Interchange

We had been on First Manchester 66880 from Unsworth to Bury back in January 2011. We then saw First Manchester 33755 on a #409 to Ashton-under-Lyne.

First Manchester 33755 in Rochdale Interchange

We carried on down the walkway and we saw required First Manchester 37393.

First Manchester 37393 in Rochdale Interchange

We also saw required First Manchester 37282 on a #17 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37282 in Rochdale Interchange

This was followed by required First Manchester 37451 on a #182 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37451 in Rochdale Interchange

We decided to First Manchester 37451 as it was on the #182 service. We had been on the #182 a few time and we find it to be an enjoyable and scenic ride. We walked over to the other side of the bus station and we got on the bus. We flashed the System One tickets and as the bus was empty Matthew photographed the lower saloon.

Inside First Manchester 37451

We went upstairs and he also took a picture of the empty top deck.

Inside First Manchester 37451

Opposite us we saw Rossendale Easyride 167 which was on layover in between runs on the #446 Walbank circulars.

Rossendale 167 in Rochdale Interchange

The bus set off out of the bus station and we joined the Eastbound A640. We went under the railway line and into Newbold. We headed through Firgrove and into Milrow. We joined the A663 and we went crossed under the M62 and headed through Newhey and down through the scenic bit following the tram line and into Shaw. In the town centre we saw required Checkmate Solo which was on the #404 Shaw circular service. We carried on to Luzley Brook and we turned right onto High Barn Street. In Royton we turned right onto Oldham Road and we got up and got off the bus. In the stop ahead of us was required First Manchester 33708.

First Manchester 33708 in Royton

We had a short wait for the next bus so Matthew had a Bakewell flapjack. He washed this down with a can of Fanta. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw required First Manchester 30962 on a Manchester bound #64 service.

First Manchester 30962 in Royton

Before our bus turned up we saw required First Manchester 37561 on a #181 to Manchester.

First Manchester 37561 in Royton

This was immediately followed by required First Manchester 33738 which was on the #409 to Ashton and the bus we wanted to catch.

First Manchester 33738 in Royton

We got on the bus an we flashed our System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and the bus set off down the Oldham Road. We passed quite a few buses coming the other way but most of these were Branded E400's like the one we were on that were allocated to work on the #409 service. We crossed the A663 and continued into town before turning left onto Saint Marys Way before entering the bus station from the North. Before we got off bus Matthew took a picture of the now empty rear of the bus.

Inside First Manchester 33738

We got off the bus and we headed towards the toilet. After we had been we had a walk around the bus station taking a few pictures. We saw First Manchester 33754 on a #184 to Manchester.

First Manchester 33754 in Oldham bus station

We then saw another Enviro400 on the #409 service... It was required First Manchester 33706.

First Manchester 33706 in Oldham bus station

On the #159 to Middleton was required Manchester Community Transport MX09 MHV.

MCT MX09 MHV in Oldham bus station

On an X80 to Manchester was required First Manchester 33752.

First Manchester 33752 in Oldham bus station

We walked down towards the other half of the bus station. There is a council building on the corner that has an elevated walkway... An ideal place from which to take bus pictures. We saw Stagecoach Manchester 10046 which was on a #76 service to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 10046 in Oldham bus station

Heading back into the Northern end of the bus station we saw dud First Manchester 37463.

First Manchester 37463 in Oldham bus station

We last rode on First Manchester 37463 back in September 2014 from Rochdale to Wrens Nest where the terminated suddenly. At the West end of the bus station we saw required First Manchester 69328 on a #149 service to Manchester.

First Manchester 69328 in Oldham bus station

We then saw required First Manchester 67420 on a #58 to Middleton.

First Manchester 67420 in Oldham bus station

We also saw First Manchester 41788 on a #415 to Holt.

First Manchester 41788 in Oldham bus station

Since our last the visit the #415 service has changed. The frequency had been reduced to every 30 minutes and extended from Oldham to Holts. We then saw required First Manchester 67414 on a #408 service to Droylsden,

First Manchester 67414 in Oldham bus station

We headed back the the Northern end of the bus station to catch something towards Middleton. We had a choice of services... #58, #59, #64, #159 & #415. We though we were in luck when required First Manchester 30963 came in on a #64 service.

First Manchester 30963 in Oldham bus station

The bus then had a driver change and went out of service! We though we would have to do the next #59, but just as we were considering boarding a new double decker, First Manchester 30959 appeared on a #64 service.

First Manchester 30959 in Oldham bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and Matthew took a picture inside the empty First Manchester 30959.

Inside First Manchester 30959

We set off out of Oldham and we took a route parallel to the Oldham Road before joining on to it half a mile or so up the road. In Royton we turned left at the crossroads and headed towards North Chadderton under the A627(M). In North Chadderton we went past Chadderton Hall Park which looked like a very well kept green space. We joined Middleton Road and we went past Mills Hill station. We turned North and went through the Boarshaw area before heading South into town. As we got to the edge of town we followed First Manchester 40336 into the bus station which was on the #415 service. When we got to the bus station we got off and we headed to the toilet. This time it was available... We needed to do another short out and back to get 2 more buses in for the day. I remember the #415 was due off at 16:41 and it was nearly that time. So we walked down West end of the bus station to catch First Manchester 40336.

First Manchester 40336 in Middleton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. Matthew was very good and he didn't try and honk the horn... We sat down at the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town and around Tesco Extra before heading South down Townley Street. We went onto the Alkrington estate down Kirkway and over the many many speed bumps here, which is why I refer to the #415 as the 'Alkrington rollercoaster'... The bus emptied out a little and Matthew took a picture of the back seat of the bus.

Inside First Manchester 40336

Partway around the estate we passed First Manchester 40335 on a Middleton bound #415. We left the estate along Mainway East and we joined Greengate. We got up and got off the bus. I had no idea that we were being followed by another bus on the #112 route, but Matthew knew and as soon as we got off the bus he turned and we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 26130.

Stagecoach Manchester 26130 at Middleton Junction

Had I know the bus was there I might have tried to flag it down... We looked at the time table and we saw the next #112 was in 20 minutes time. It doesn't seem that long ago when the bus ran every few minutes with Stagecoach and JPT competing with each other. Since JPT were taken over by Stagecoach the competition had gone so the service was drastically reduced. Whilst we were waiting we ate a Milky Way and drank a can of Cherry Coke. We saw a double decker approaching and we thought it might be the #112 running earlier, but it disappeared into Mainway East. A few minutes later we saw a Stagecoach MAN approaching. It was the first one we had seen today. As it got closer we saw that it was required Stagecoach Manchester 22219.

Stagecoach Manchester 22219 at Middleton Junction

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets to the driver for the final time today. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus Went North along Greengate before we turned left into Grimshaw Lane. The #112 is much quicker than the #415 as it is a more direct route and much more comfortable without all the speed bumps. We came into town and into the bus station and we waited for it to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 22219.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 22219

We met up with mum and Matthew went to the toilet again before we set off back to the car. On the way we took a few more bus pictures. First we saw required First Manchester 66857 on a 59 to Manchester.

First Manchester 66857 in Middleton bus station

We also saw required First Manchester 37283 on a #18 to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

First Manchester 37283 in Middleton bus station

We walked to the car and waiting for us were some Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off back home around 17:30 and we went down the A576 to the M60. For the return journey we decided to go clockwise down to the M56. We did the M56 Westward towards the Lymm services and then we headed onto the Southbound M6. Doing this avoid the need to travel down the A556 which I find tedious as it is a long straight road and dangerous as it is a duel carriage way with no central reservation! I was starting to feel a bit tired so when we were approaching Sandbach services we pulled over and mum drove the rest of the way back. We rejoined the M6 and then left at the next junction onto the Southbound A500. At Sideway we went East along the A50 to Heron Cross an we stopped at mum friends shop to pick up oatcakes. Matthew decided he was desperate to use the toilet and he jumped out and went into the shop. We regrouped and we got back in the car and we headed to Z Carz. We went via Blurton Road, Drubbery Lane and the A5035. At Z Carz there were 3 buses on the spare ground tonight. First in the row was Ford minibus Z Carz PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Next in the row was Ford minibus Z Carz MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We noticed that at the back of the land in the shadows was Mercedes minibus M372 NWN. Last in the front row was Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and there was a single minibus in the compound, Z Carz LG09 JVX. We headed back onto the A50 and we went to Heron Cross. We traveled through Blurton along Blurton Road and we followed this onto Church Road at Chritchlow's Corner We turned right into Beaconsfield Drive and we got home just after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by the remainder of the cheesecake from the night before. Matthew the chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Rochdale / Royton 06-09-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
60275	Rochdale Interchange	Jericho (Bury), Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (opp Service Station)	468	First Manchester
241	Jericho (Bury), Bury and Rochdale Old Road/Jericho (Church)	Rochdale Interchange	468	Rossendale Easyride
37463	Rochdale Interchange	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	182	First Manchester
30956	Wrens Nest (Shaw), by Milnrow Road/Wrens Nest	Royton, High Barn St/Park St (Stop H)	181	First Manchester
37553	Royton, High Barn Street/Park Street (Stop E)	Wrens Nest (Shaw), adj Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	181	First Manchester
37469	Wrens Nest (Shaw), at Smallbrook Road/Wrens Nest	Rochdale Interchange	182	First Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Rochdale. We left the choice until the morning again, the weather had been forecast for Cloudy weather with an occasional shower. Matthew got up just after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 12:00 we set off onto the A5035 and we turned right onto Stanley Matthew Way. We went West on the A50 and then North up the A500. There was a broken down van at Sideway and the police had cone off part off the sliproad for Stoke. We carried on North and we got onto the Northbound M6. We caught up with a couple of Richardson's coaches, the rear one of the convoy was YN57 BWE. The coaches turned of onto the M56 before we caught back up with them. Near to Thelwall viaduct we passed Z Carz W221 CDN going South. We turned onto the Eastbound M62 and then forward onto the M60. As we passed the M61 it started to rain. We saw ABC Supreme VK06 LTV and Transdev Burnley & Pendle 2776,which was on a X43 to Burnley. We carried onto the M62 and the windscreen wiper jumped out of its holder, so we turned into Birch services to effect a repair. Wiper back on we carried on along the M62 and we came off onto the A627(M). We turned righ onto the A58 and we headed into town passing First Manchester 37298 on a #471 service. We parked up near to the town hall and we walked into town to get something to eat. As we walked alongside the main road we saw Rossndale Easyride Solo 60 on a #448 service.

Rossendale 60 in Rochdale

We spotted a Yates that seemed to have good meal deals, so we went into to inquire about them. Matthew headed downstairs to use their toilet. Mum had been informed that there was going to be at least a 30 minute wait on food, so we walked around the corner to the chicken place. There wasn't a free table here, and it was raining anyway, so we walked back to Yates. Matthew had a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a glass of Coke. After we had finished eating we walked up to the interchange. As we walked in we saw Yorkshire Tiger Solo 311 on a #528 to Halifax. We walked up to the top of the interchange so that we could get a few pictures. We saw required Rossendale Easyride Volvo B7RLE 216 on a #464 to Accrington.

Rossendale 216 in Rochdale Interchange

Parked up between #6 Kirkholt circulars was First Manchester 60240.

First Manchester 60240 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down the other side of the interchange and we saw First Manchester 60275 on a #468 to Tottington.

First Manchester 60275 in Rochdale Interchange

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the Citaro and he said yes. As we went to catch the bus we saw First Manchester Solo 40331 on layover between duties.

First Manchester 40331 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and booked System One bus tickets at £5.20. The bus was nearly empty, so before we sat down Matthew took a picture of the empty rear of First Manchester 60275.

Inside First Manchester 60275

A few minutes later the bus set off out off the interchange and across the A58. W headed out of town towards Spotalnds before turning back South towards Jericho and along War Office Road. At the bottom we turned right onto Bury and Rochdale road and we passed the Church in Hooley Bridge where we had done Rossendale Easyride 163 out for 139 back in July 2014. It was still a little damp so we were looking for a stop on the opposite of the road with a shelter. About half a mile down the road we spotted a shelter opposite so we got up to get off the bus. The bus pulled off from the stop and was stopped at some temporary roadworks.

First Manchester 60275 in Jericho

We crossed the road and headed for the stop. We could see a 'Rosso' bus on the other side of the roadworks so we walked quickly to the stop... So much for needing a bus shelter! The bus got closer and we saw it was required 'Rosso' 241.

Rossendale 241 in Jericho

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. The bus was nearly empty so Matthew took his picture inside 'Rosso' 241 there and then.

Inside Rossendale 241

The bus headed of down Bury and Rochdale Road and we turned left onto War Office Road. We went past Spotlands and then into town past Asda and across the A58. When we got back into the interchange we got off and Matthew got another picture of 'Rosso'241.

Rossendale 241 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked up to the toilet and after Matthew had done we had a look around to see what we could catch. Looking around we spotted required First Manchester 37463 on a #182 to Manchester. As we had done a #182 before and we knew where it went, I asked Matthew if he wanted to do this bus and he said yes. He took a quick picture before we went to get on this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Rochdale Interchange

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and it was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside First Manchester 37463 before we sat down.

Inside First Manchester 37463

We came out of the interchange and we stopped at the tram track to let Metrolink trams 3008 and 3061 go passed on their way to East Didsbury. We followed the tram up Drake Street and then turned onto Milnrow Road. We passed through Newbold and the Kingsway Retail Park and carried on South to Milnrow. We went down the high street under the M62 motorway. Here we reached a more rural part of the route crossing over and back over the Metrolink tramway. Just North of Shaw we stopped at triangular junction with a green in the middle. As we stopped we saw required First Manchester 30956 park opposite on a #181 service. we also saw required 30959 whizz past on a #59 service. Damn! Two good buses that we wouldn't of minded doing go past us in less than 30 seconds. The driver then shuts the engine down on the bus that we were on and says that the bus was going out of service and we would have to get on the bus opposite when it come around. That was well timed. The bus opposite had just terminated and it was about to form a #181 back to Manchester... We would have never have dared got off to catch it by ourselves but now we were being asked to do so. We got of First Manchester 37463 and we took another picture of this bus.

First Manchester 37463 in Shaw

A quick check of the timetable revealed First Manchester 30956 was due off in a few minutes. When it was time the bus came around the triangular green and pulled up at the stop.

First Manchester 30956 in Shaw

We got on the bus and flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs and as the bus was empty Matthew took his picture inside First Manchester 30956 immediately.

Inside First Manchester 30956

We sat down and the bus set off down through Shaw along the high street. The #181 take a slightly different route into Royton, and we went along Oldham Road and Blackburn Lane before going onto High Barn Street. Just before we got to Royon we passed another Volvo B7TL on a #181.. This was First Manchester 30963. We rang the bell as we approached Royton, and we got up and got off the bus. As the bus carried on towards Manchester we took another picture of this fine bus.

First Manchester 30956 in Royton

We decided to got and visit the Co-op Food store, so we crossed over the two roads and went into the shop. Matthew had a can of Coke and a bottle of cherry Coke to drink now. He also had a six pack of Milky Ways. We paid for the thing and went down Oldham Road to take a few pictures and to look at the timetable at the bus stop. There was a #181 to Shaw in around 15 minutes so we decided to wait for that. Matthew had his Cheryy Coke and a Milky Way and whilst we waited we let First Manchester 33755 go on a #409 to Rochdale.

First Manchester 33755 in Royton

Just after this we saw First Manchester 30955 going South on #64 service. After Matthew had finished his bus stop picnic We decided to go back to High Barn Street to wait for the #181. As we got to high barn Street we saw a heritage liveried First Manchester bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37451.

First Manchester 37451 in Royton

We crossed over High Barn Street and sat down to wait for the #181. A few minutes later we saw it was a modern double decker... As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37553.

First Manchester 37553 in Royton

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets. We went upstairs, and as the top deck was empty behind the stairs, Matthew took a picture there and then on First Manchester 37553.

Inside First Manchester 37553

The bus set off back to Shaw via Blackburm Lane and Oldham Road, and we headed into Shaw up the high street. We went out of the North end of town and then bus terminated at the triangle-shaped green an we got off the bus. The bus moved off and parked on the opposite side of the road in a layover area. Also in this area was Ring & Ride minibus BX58 VCT.

Ring & Ride BX58 VCT in Shaw

We walked over to the other stop where the #58 departs, as well as the #182 towards Rochdale. The first bus due was a #58, we saw that it was a single decker as it went around the green. As it got closer we saw it was dud First Manchester 66858.

First Manchester 66858 in Shaw

This is a bus that we had been on between Moorside and Oldham on the #83 back in September 2013. The was a Rochdale bound #182 due a few minutes later, and we were certain that this would be a double decker. We saw it approaching and it was a double decker. As it got closer we saw it was required First Manchester 37469.

First Manchester 37469 in Shaw

We got on the bus and we flashed our System One tickets for the last time today. We went upstairs and as it was empty Matthew took a picture there and then.

Inside First Manchester 37469

The bus set off into the sticks and we went through Milnrow and Newbold before popping into Rochdale. We dropped into the interchange and we met up with mum. She was in the shop, and Matthew had another couple of pieces of chocolate here. We decided to have a walk around and take a few pictures before we headed back to the car. First Manchester 66912 was parked up on layover between duties.

First Manchester 66912 in Rochdale Interchange

Rossendale Easyride 208 was about to work the next #468 to Bury.

Rossendale 208 in Rochdale Interchange

We walked down to the bottom end of the interchange. Running empty was First Manchester 66880.

First Manchester 66880 in Rochdale Interchange

Also on layover was First Manchester 37371.

First Manchester 37371 in Rochdale Interchange

We waled back up to the top and we saw a First Manchester Solo approaching. Closer inspection revealed it was First Manchester 40319.

First Manchester 40319 in Rochdale Interchange

Then a minibus arrived. Branded for 'Kingway Link' was Manchester Community Transport DX09 KWR.

MCT DX09 KWR in Rochdale Interchange

We headed back to the car where Matthew had got a sausage roll waiting for him. This was washed down with a 500ml bottle of Irn Bru. We drove out of the town centre and onto the A58. We turned left onto the A627(M) and then we joined onto the Westbound M62. We joined the anti-clockwise M60 and then carried on the West bound M62. Just before we got to the M6 we had a minor electrical issue with the car.We turned onto the Southbound M6 and we came off the M6 at the A57 so we could stop somewhere to sort out the problem. We turned the car off for a few second and the problem was cured. We carried on South on the M6 and we caught up with Ridlers YYD 154 around the junction with the A54.

Ridlers YYD 154 on the M6

We left the M6 at the North end of the A500 and we went south through Stoke-on-Trent. At Sideway we took the Eastbound A50 which we did up to Longton. We went passed the Z carz depot today see what was there. first in the row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY, which appears to have had a little accident with the front bumper.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

As we were taking pictures, Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN arrived at the depot.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

Also at the depot tonight was former Alton Towers Transport coach M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

There were quite a few Ford minibuses at the depot tonight including Z Carz BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

At the back was Z Carz FP06 WTW. The last of the buses on the front row was airport transfer bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz DL03 HHU in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row and there were a few minibuses in the yard. These included long term SORN LDV T408 JUX and Y568 XFV, We headed back onto the A50 and through Heron Cross, At the lightning house was T2 DLT. We went through Blurton we tirned right onto Beaconsfield Road and we saw First Potteries Solo 40016 on the last bus up to Longton. We got home just after 19:20. For a late tea Matthew had sausage, potatoes and carrots followed by a slice of lemon meringue pie. He then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00... Mark