Trip to Bury / Heywood 25-05-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3274	Bury Interchange	Heywood, (Stop C)	163	Go North West
3282	Heywood, (Stop A)	Bury Interchange	163	Go North West
20601	Bury Interchange	Radcliffe BS	513	Rotala Diamond
4125	Radcliffe BS	Bury Interchange	524	Go North West
15399	Bury Interchange	Prestwich, (Stop C)	135	Stagecoach Manchester
11835	Prestwich, Orange Hill Road	Bury Interchange	135	Stagecoach Manchester

Today we decided to re-visit Bury. No research was done for the trip, other than to look where we ate last time we visited and to look at the weather. The weather was forecast for dry weatherwith some sunshine. Matthew woke up at 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got up at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just after 12:00 we got n the car and we set off to pick ip uncle Dave. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We turned left onto Hollybush Road and we stopped to try and find some tissue in the car as mum had a nosebleed. We continued along Holybush Road and we turned right onto Central Drive. We turned right onto Highfield Drive and we turned left to rejoin Blurton Road. We continued through Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we ran down to the A500. We turned left onto Church Street and we followed the one-way system. We turned left onto London Road and we stopped at Sainsburys to fill up with petrol. Once we had filled up we turned right onto London Road and ran forwards onto Campbell Place. We turned left onto Church Street and we turned right onto Stoke Road. We joined the Northbound A500. As we travelled Northwards up the A500 we saw Belle Vue Coaches YD24 EPX, City Centre Central WJ17 VGG, YT65 ACV, Hammonds YN65 XCU and silver minibus MC15 BUS. We got onto the Northbound M6 at junction 16. Traveling up the M6 we saw black minibus FG23 YXS, grey minibus YM22 DKD and an unidentified Megabus coach. As we wree runing late we decided to stop at Knutsford service for dinner. We pulled into the service and parked up. In the car parked we saw grey minibus BG21 NHU.

BG21 NHU in Knutsford services

We headed into the building and Matthew used the toilet. We initially went to have burger KIng, but the prices were ridiculous, so we went onto the bridge and had KFC instead whilst we waited for the food Selwyns BV23 ZXF(#550) & 333(#550) went past underneath the bridge When the food arrived Matthew had a chicken fillet, chicken popcorn, fries, beans and gravy washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we went downstairs and we got back into the car. We set off out of the service station and we saw blue minibus DA64 WJO. We conrinued onto the M6 and we saw Stanton's of Stoke VT18 ??? and Lochs & Glens SJ73 HWA. We joined the Eastbound M62 and we ran to the clockwise ring road M60. We came off at Junction 17 onto the Northbound A56 as there were reports of problems on the M66. We headed Northwards through Besses o' th' Barn and Whitefield and we ran Northwards towards Bury. We turned right onto Parkhills Road and left onto Market Street. We decided to get out were so we could look at the parked up coaches. We saw Globe Holidays YN07 OPG.

Globe Holidays YN07 OPG in Bury

Also seen was Stanley Coaches P2 STX.

Stanley Coaches P2 STX in Bury

As we walked towards the interchange we saw Stagecoach Manchester 27955 on a #95 to Salford.

Stagecoach Manchester 27955 in Bury

We headed towards the ring road and as we were about to cross we saw Transdev Rosso 1761 on a #483 to Burnley.

Transdev Rosso 1761 in Bury

We entered the Interchange and we saw First Manchester 44579 on a #468 to Rochdale. We went around to the toilets but the toilet we closed due to vandalism. We decided to catch something out quickly and go to a pub. Around the other side of the Interchange we saw Stagecoach Manchester 49104 on layover.

Stagecoach Manchester 49104 in Bury Interchange

As we headed back into the main Interchange we saw Rotala Diamond 20618 on a #512 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 20618 in Bury Interchange

We went into the Interchange and we saw a double decker getting ready for service. As we got closer we saw it was Go North West 3274 on a #163 to Piccadilly Gardens.

Go North West 3274 in Bury Interchange

We got on the bus and we booked Bee Network bus only ticket at £5 each before we went upstairs. As the rear of the top deck was empty Matthew took a picture inside Go North West 3274.

Inside Go North West 3274

We set off out of the bus station and straight onto the Eastbound A58. As we entered the road we passed the row of coaches parked in the distance on Market Street. We continued East to the M66 and we went under and into Heap Bridge. We turned right onto Heap Brow and left onto Bury old Road. Around a 1/4 of a mile down the road we turned right onto Sutherland Road and left onto Argyle Street. We ran through a housing estate the entire length of Argyle Street and past some shops and then we turned left onto Pilsworth Road. At the end of the road we turned right onto the A58 again and we ran into the west end of Heywood. There was a short one way system around town and after passing the Wetherspoons pub we came to the Eastbound bus stop where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed ove the road and we went around to the front of wetherspoons. We went in the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards Matthew sat with uncle Dave and I got drinks from the bar. Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we came out of the pub and we turned right to walk to the bus stop. We waited for something back towards Bury. A short time later we saw a double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Go North West 3282 on a #163 to Bury.

Go North West 3282 in Heywood

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network bus only day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off along the A58 and we turned left onto Pilsworth Road. We turned right onto Argyle Street and we run to the other end of the estate and we stopped at the triangle at the end of the road where the Westbound bus stop is situated. We continued down to the A58 along Sutherland Road, Bury Old Road and down Heap Brow. After going under the M66 we climbed the hill up into Bury and around the town centre and market before we turned right into Haymarket Street. We then turned right into the bus station and went onto stand. Once off bus we saw Stagecoach Manchester 49101 on a #475 to Heywood.

Stagecoach Manchester 48101 in Bury Interchange

We had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw First Manchester 69630 on a #467 to Rochdale. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 20601 on a #513 to Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 20601 in Bury Interchange

We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network any bus tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the interchange and we turned left onto Haymarket Street. We crossed the A58 onto Knowsley Street and we turned left onto the A56. We headed Southwards for a short while before turning right onto Radcliffe Road. We crossed over the River Irwell and we ran forwards onto Bury Road. We turned left onto Spring Lane and right onto Rectory Lane. We continued onto Church Street West and we went under the Metrolink tram line. We ran along Deansgate and we ran forwards onto Dale Street before entereing the new bus station. Once off the bus we crossed over the road and Matthew got another picture of Rotala Diamond 20601 before it continued towards Farnworth.

Rotala Diamond 20601 in Radcliffe bus station

We headed back through the bus station and we we went into Lidl. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we went shopping. We bought a chocolate cheescake brownie, a pack of single twirls and a bottle of lemon and lime water. We paid for the items and we headed back towards the bus station. On the way we saw Stagecoach Manchester 15395 on a #98 to Bury.

Stagecoach Manchester 15395 in Radcliffe bus station

We sat in the bus station and Matthew ate his cheesecake brownie and a Twirl. As we were eating we saw a bus come into the bus station. As it approached we saw it was Go North West 4125 on a #524 to Bury.

Go North West 4125 in Radcliffe bus station

We got on the bus and placed the Bee Network bus only day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Deansgate. We contined onto Church Street West and we ran forwards onto the A6053 and we headed Eastwards for about a mile. We crossed the river Irwell and we joined the Northbound A56. We ran for about a mile before we veered right on to Knowsley Street. We crossed over the A58 and we ran forwards onto Haymarket Street before turning right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we considered what we might catch next. Matthew was considering doing Rotala Diamond 30683 which was on a #511 to Bolton.

Rotala Diamond 30683 in Bury interchange

Across the way we spotted an interesting looking double decker. As we got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 15399 on a #135 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 15399 in Bury Interchange

We decided to do the Stagecoach double decker as it was 15 years old and wouldn't be in the fleet for too much longer. We got on the bus and we placed the Bee Network anybus ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned left onto Haymarket Street. We crossed the A58 and we ran forwards onto Knowsley Street. At the end of the street we veered left to join the Southbound A56. We headed Southwards through Whitefield and Besses o' th' Barn and we turned left onto the A665. We crossed under the Metrolink and over the M60 and we continued Southwards into East Side of Prestwich. We got up and got off the bus near to the Heaton Park Metrolink station and Matthew got another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 15399 as it continued towards Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 15399 in Prestwich

Once off the bus we crossed over the road and we headed to the nearest pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of Coke each and sat down. It was just after the final whistle in the FA Cup final, and Manchester Utd had beaten Manchester City by 2 - 1. We finished out drinks and we went outside to meet uncle Dave. We walked Northwards up the road to the nearest stop. As we walked to the stop we saw Stagecoach Manchester 19482 going North. As ther had been a gap in the service, we assued that we would not have to wait too long for the next bus. About 5 minutes later we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Stagecoach Manchester 11835 on a #135 to Bury.

Stagecoach Manchester 11835 in Prestwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One Day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the rear section on the bus. The bus set off Northward up the A665 and we crossed the M60 and went past Besses O'th Barn tram stop and onto the A56. We ran past the A6053 and past the site of a former Esso petrol station which is being converted into a EV charging hub. We ran for about a mile before we veered right on to Knowsley Street. We crossed over the A58 and we ran forwards onto Haymarket Street before turning right into the Interchange where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we took a few pictures and we saw First Manchester 69635 on a #467 to Rochdale. We set off through the bus station and headed towards the A58. We walked behind the market and we went under the subway onto the car park back to the car. We got in the car and matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Spring Street and we turned left onto the A58. We turned left onto Market Street and we crossed over the East Lancs Railway line to Heywood. We turned right onto Wellington Road and left onto the Southbound A56. We ran down the hill and over the River Roch before stopping at the chips shop. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When I had finished eating we set off onto the Southbound A56. We ran down towards Prestwich and we joined the anti-clockwise M60. We joined the Westbound M62 and we headed into Chesire. We joined the Southbound M6 at Lymm interchange and we continued through Cheshire. As we travelled down the M6 we saw Z Carz HK57 LGW. We came off the M6 at junction 16 and we ran though Longport and Etruria into Stoke. We came off the A500 and we diverted onto Wheildon Road. We dropped off uncle Dave and Matthew got out to use the toilet. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now an Indian Restaurant. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Road. We turned right onto the A5035 and we got back to Blurton around 20:45. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Walsall / Bloxwich 10-12-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3301	Walsall St Pauls BS	Walsall Wood, Occupation Road	10	National Express West Midlands
4125	Walsall Wood, Occupation Road	Walsall St Pauls BS	10	National Express West Midlands
30923	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Wolverhampton Road High Street	31	Rotala Diamond
11	Bloxwich, Bloxwich Park (Stop BC)	Brownhills, High St	23	Walsall Community Transport
4348	Brownhills, Raven's Court	West Brownhills, Howdle's Lane	10	National Express West Midlands
4125	West Brownhills, Howdle's Lane	Rushall, Rosedene Close	10	National Express West Midlands
32258	Rushall, Rosedene Close	Walsall St Pauls BS	35A	Rotala Diamond

Today we decided to stay reasonably close to home. I suggested to Matthew that we went to Walsall and he agreed. Research consisted of checking the weather. It was for a cold dry day, with a small chance of a snow shower. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and apple juice for breakfast. We got ready to go out and we left arounbd 11:50. We set off thr Blurton onto Beaconsfield Drive. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued down Wheildon Road and we joined the Northbound A500. We turned right onto City Road so that we could joined the Southbound A500. We joined the Southbound A500 and we ran Southwards through Hanford down to the M6. We joined the Southbound M6 and we headed through Staffordshire. Travelling down the motorway we saw 2 unidentified Edwards coaches, 3 unidentified Turners coaches, 2 unidentified Lakeland coaches, an unidentified Laser Travel coach, an unidentified Keeplings Travel, white minibus DP17 TBY and grey minibus SH69 EOU. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we joined the Eastbound A5. We went for a couple of miles before stopping at the Truckers Rest truck stop. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered dinner for us. For dinner Matthew had a full English breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5. We headed Eastward to the other end of Cannock. We stopped at the petrol station on the corner of th A4601 and we put in a small amout of petrol. We got back onto the A5 and we crossed the M6 Toll and joined the southbound A34. We ran through Landywood and Newtown and through Bloxwich. We continued along the A34 right to the edge of town and we joined the Eastbound A4148. We turned right onto Stafford Street and we ran forwards onto St Pauls Street. We hoped to use the Hatherton Road short stay car park. We ended up doing a few circuits of that part of town. Hatherston Street, Albert Street, Wisemore and back onto St Pauls Street. We did another circuit and we stopped at the car park by McDonalds. We said goodbye to mum and we walked along Wisemore and we turned left onto St Pauls Street. Before we got to the bus station we saw Diamond BT20 ZPW parked near to the bus station.

Diamond BT20 ZPW in Walsall

We continued around the corber onto Hatherston Road to see what was parked up on layover. As we headed up to a distant double decker we saw National Express West Midlands 4125 depart on a #10 to Brownhills West. A few yards up the road we saw National Express West Midlands 4573 on ayover in between runs on the #10 to Brownhills West.

NX West Midlands 4573 in Walsall

We walked back along Hatherston Road past Rotala Diamond 21238 which was on layover in between runs on the #74 to Gillity Village. we walked into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 2123 on a #8 to Lichfield.

NX West Midlands 2123 in Walsall bus station

A few moments later we saw Rotala Diamond 30880 on a #35A to Druid's Heath.

Rotala Diamond 30880 in Walsall bus station

Initially we waited at the stop in the centre platform, but there was a broken down double decker blocking the way. When National Express West Midlands 3301 came into the bus station the bus and the passenger were directed over to Stand B where the #31 usually departs from. We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.20 each before going upstairs and sitting down. When it was departure time the bus set off out of the bus station and on to Hatherton Street and forwards onto Hatherton Road.We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we turned left at the roundabout. We ran Northwards along Lichfield Road and we ran through Rushall. We continued into Shelfield and we Northwards into Walsall Wood and we turned left onto the B4152. We got up and get off the bus in order to intercept the ancient Trident. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 3301 as it continued towards Brownhills West.

NX West Midlands 3301 in Walsall Wood

We crossed over the road and we waited for the next Southbound service. We know from the map which bus it was going to be. It appeared that we could have made to the South end of Brownhills High Street but at least we were sure that we hadn't missed it. Whilst we waited we saw another of the ALX400 Tridents. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4360 on a #10 to Brownhills West.

NX West Midlands 4360 in Walsall Wood

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4125 on a #10 to Walsall as expected.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Walsall Wood

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down We set off along the B4152 and we turned right on to Lichfield Road. We ran Southwards through Shelfield and Rushall and we ran forwards onto Lichfield Street. We continued onto Bridge Street and into the centre of town and we ran around the South side of the bus station and entered the bus station from the West side. We got up and got off the bus. We had a wander around whilst we decided what to do next. We saw Rotala Diamond 30170 on a #31 to Mossley.

Rotala Diamond 30170 in Walsall bus station

We walked out of the bus station and onto Bridge Street. We saw National Express West Midlands on a #934 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6722 in Walsall bus station

We walked back to the bus station and we saw Rotala Diamond 30923 on a #31 to Mossley.

Rotala Diamond 30923 in Walsall bus station

The bus was ready to go so we had another walk around. We returned to Bridge Street and we saw Walsall Community Transport SF16 JBZ on a #22 Paddock Circular service.

Walsall Community Transport SF16 JBZ in Walsall bus station

We walked back into the bus station and we decided to head up towards Bloxwich. We saw a bus on stand. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 30923 on a #31 to Mossley. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards he back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto St Pauls Road. We continued onto Stafford Street and we crossed over the ring road onto the B4210. We continued Northwards for around 2 miles and we veered right onto A34. We ran along the high street and as we were about to turn left onto Wolverhampton Road we saw National Express West Midlands 4348 on a #70 to Walsall. We continued onto Sand Bank and we turned left onto Bell Lane where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30923 as it continued towards Mossley.

Rotala Diamond 30923 in Bloxwich

We walked around the corner onto High Street and we spotted that the Little Dessert Shop was closed until 16:00. We decided to go to a nearby pub for a drink. We went into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. Afterwards we had a glass of Coke. Whilst we drank our drinks we saw some of the Morroco vs Portugal game and we saw Morroce score their goal. When we had finished we headed outside to look for something to catch. We saw Walsall Community Transport 9 on a #25 to Catshill. As we approached the stop it pulled off. Afterwards we saw Walsall Community Transport 11 on a #23 to Brownhills West.

Walsall Community Transport 11 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus Day ticket to the driver before sitting down. The last time we had done this service in the opposite direction it was operated by Arriva and was a Dart! We set off Northwards up Park Road before going around the park and head Southwards down the High Street. We turned left onto Victoria Avenue and we crossed over Field Road and we saw a distant Southbound #29 service. We continued along Vallet Road before turning left onto Valley Road. At the end we turned right onto Abbots Street and left onto Green Rock Lane. We turne left onto Livingstone Road before turning left onto Mallory Crescent. We re-joined Livingstone Road and we turned right onto Wolverhampton Road. We continued Northwards onto Lichfield Road and we ran for about 3 miles until we came into Brownhills from the Northern end past the mirrored miner statue. We crossed the roundbout onto High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we crossed over the roas as we knew there was another required Trident on it's way Northwards. About 5 minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 4348 on a #10 to Brownhills West as expected.

NX West Midlands 4348 in Brownhills

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We ran along Brownhills High Street past McDonalds and the giant mirrored miner statue and we headed past Brownhills Common where we could see deer in the woods. At the big roundabout we turned right onto the Eastbound A5. We waited at the stop for a few minutes before continuing Eastwards along the A5. We ran Eastwards for about 3/4 of a mile and a further 2 stops and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4348 as it continued back towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4348 in Brownhills

Once we had got off the bus we headed to the shops on Howdle's Lane and we Matthew brough a can of Cherry Coke, a 29p shops own can of cola and a chcolate bar. We walked back to the bus stop and Matthew drank his can of shops own cola. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As expected it was National Express West Midlands 4125 on a #10 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Brownhills

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A5 and we turned right onto Chase Road. We turned right onto the B4155 and we ran towards the roundabout with the mirrored miner statue. We turned left on the A452 and onto the High Street. We continued down the High Street and over the canal and we turned right onto the B4152. We ran to into Walsall Wood and we turned right on to Lichfield Road. We ran Southwards through Shelfield and Rushall where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4125 as it continued towards Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Rushall

Once off the bus we waited for something else running towards Walsall. A quick look at the timetable and we saw there was a #35A due in a few minutes. A few minutes later we saw a bus approach from the side street. As it got closer we saw it was Rotala Diamond 32258 on a #35A to Walsall.

Rotala Diamond 32258 in Rushall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Lichfield Street and we headed Southwards. We crossed over the ring road and we turned right onto Hatherton Street and we ran to the Eastern edge of the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Rotala Diamond 32258.

Inside Rotala Diamond 32258

We continued into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 2115 on layover.

NX West Midlands 2115 in Walsall bus station

We continued around the South side of the bus station and up the other side. As we headed back towards where we were going to meet mum we saw NX West Midlands 1841 on a #29 to Bloxwich.

NX West Midlands 1841 in Walsall bus station

We walked up St Pauls Street and we turned right onto Wisemore. We turned right onto Little Albert Street and we stopped by the Tesco Petrol station to wait for mum to arrive who had driven out of town to do some shopping. Mum arriver at the perol station and we filled up with petrol and got in the car. We set off onto Little Albert Street and we turned left onto the A4148. We turned right onto the B4210 and we headed Northwards and we headed towards Bloxwich. On the way Northwards and we stopped at the lights by Leamore Lane and we spotted a chip shop in a small retail area. We parked up and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. When we had finished eating We rejoined the B4210 and we ran Northwards. We ran past Bloxwich North railway station and we ran up to Springhill. We turned right onto the A462 and we ran Northwards for a few miles. We joined the Northbound M6 and we ran through Stffordshire. Returning home up the M6 we saw taxi minibus YY64 UFL, an unidentified Megabus coach, an unidentified Birmingham International coach and silver minibus SF72 ZSZ. We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500 We ran through Hanford and into Stoke. We crossed over the A500 and we headed back South and onto Whieldon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's to Drop him off and Matthew drank some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru and used the toilet. We update his calendar. We got back in the car and we conrinued along Wheildon Road past the former Regent which is back up for sale. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and at the roundabout we veered right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton. Later on we did some more of the Blog and wrote an e-mail. Matthew ate a peice of millionaire's shortbread and we chilled out on the sofa until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Bilston / Walsall 25-02-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
GX53 MWP	Bilston Interchange	Walsall Bradford Place BS	334	Thandi
4125	Walsall St Pauls BS	Pelsall Cenotaph	89	NX West Midlands
4339	Pelsall Cenotaph	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BA)	89	NX West Midlands
1751	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	Walsall St Pauls BS	302	NX West Midlands
4155	Walsall St Pauls BS	Wolverhampton BS	89	NX West Midlands
4136	Wolverhamton BS	Bilston, Loxdale St(nwmjgdjw)	79	NX West Midlands
820	Bilston, Loxdale St(nwmjgdma)	Bilston Interchange	43	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Bilston. We checked the weather for today and it was forecast for unsettled windy weather with some rain. The better weather appeared to be to the South. We gave Matthew a list of destinations in the Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Bilston. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 12:00 and we ran down to the A5035. We crossed over the railway into Trentham and we passed D&G Bus 170 on a #14 to Hanley. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A34 and at the next lights we turned left onto Whitmore Road. At the end of Whitmore Road we saw Longmynd Travel coach YX65 ZHW emerging from the A5182. We turned right the a519 and then we joined the Southbound M6. As we travelled down the M6 towards junction 10 we saw Park's of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 814 on a #570 service, an unidentified Yellow & red Cedar Coaches Solo on the back of a low loader and City Cabs DN56 HSX. At Junction 10 we headed West along the Black Country Route a few miles until we came to the edge of Bilston. We turned right onto the A41 and then left onto Church Street where we parked up. We walked a hundred or so yards along the street and we crossed over the tram line. We walked through to the Interchange and we saw National Express West Midlands 831 on a #43 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 831 in Bilston interchange

The toilet in the interchange was busy, so we walked across the road to the toilets by the outdoor market. We then walked back into the bus station to have dinner in the bus station café. Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a can of Coke. he also helped mum eat her sandwiches! Whilst we ate we saw Thandi Dart T88 NND on a #334 to Walsall, Rotala Diamond 20003 on a #23 to Wednesbury, Costal Liners 'Bingo Bus' T183 CLO on the #905 service and Walsall Community Transport DK08 OSZ. When we had finished eating we went into the bus station to see what we could catch. On layover we saw required Thandi Dart GX53 MWP which was about to work the next #334 to Walsall.

Thandi GX53 MWP in Bilston interchange

The bus moved off layover onto stand so we decided to do it. We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.30 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We guessed that it used to be a Stagecoach Bus and a quick search on the Internet revealed that it used to be 34449 in the Stagecoach South fleet. The bus set off out of the interchange and onto the Southbound A41. At the roundabout we turned left onto the Black Country Route and then we came off at the next roundabout. We headed into The Lunt along Vulcan Road. At the end we turned right onto Darlaston Lane. We crossed under the Black Country Route and we turned left into the Rough Hay estate. At the end of Hall Street East we turned right onto Willenhall Street. We stopped briefly at the main stop in Darlaston on St Lawrence way. Whilst there we saw Thandi Dart RN52 EOV on the #333X service to Willenhall and National Express West Midlands 4319 on a #79 to Wolverhampton. We ran Southwards to the A4038 and we turned left. We then ran long the road for around 2 miles into Walsall. On the way we saw Thandi Dart RN52 EOX on the #333X service to Willenhall and Fastline Travel coach BX14 KRD at the back of there depot. We came onto town along Bradford Street and when we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Thandi GX53 MWP.

Inside Thandi GX53 MWP

We got off the bus and we had a good look around. Just after we got off the bus we saw Rotala Diamond 30886 on a #401E service to Yew Tree.

Rotala Diamond 30886 in Walsall bus station

We decided to walk the short walk across town to the other bus station so we set off along Bradford Street to the corner of Bridge Street where we spotted Ring & Ride 1123.

Ring & Ride 1123 in Walsall bus station

We also saw National Express West Midlands 4604 on a #10A Brownhills to Walsall service.

NX West Midlands 4604 in Walsall bus station

We walked up to St Pauls bus station and Matthew used the toilet. After we had been to the facilities we had a walk around to see what we could catch next. We walked out of the bus station onto Hatherton Street and we saw Arriva Midlands 3307 on a #1 to Cannock. We walked back into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 4125 on a #89 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Walsall bus station

We also saw National Express West Midlands 4140 on a #69 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4140 in Walsall bus station

After a short while we decided to do National Express West Midlands 4125 as the service was going via Bloxwich and it was somewhere we knew. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs.The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4125.

Inside NX West Midlands 4125

We set off out of the bus station onto Hatherton Street and we turned right onto the clockwise ring road. A quick check of the page Buses I have Travelled on revealed that we had already been on this bus. We had been on this bus from Bloxwich to Walsall back in December 2016. At the next junction we turned left onto Lichfield Road. We ran North for around a mile and we passed through Rushall. We continued to Shelfield and then we turned left into Mill Road. We followed the road into Pelsall Common and we turned right into the centre of Pelsall where we decided to get off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4125 as it carried on towards Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Pelsall

We watched the bus go Northwards through town and then we went into the local Co-operative food store. Mathew brought a can of Coke as well as a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had paid for the stuff we returned to the same stop. I had suggested we crossed the road and went back to Walsall but Matthew wanted to stay at this stop and go towards Walsall. The frequency of the #89 was every 20 minutes so we had around 15 minutes to wait. Whilst we waited we saw Walsall Community Transport WX57 TBO going Northwards.

Walsall Community Transport WX57 TBO in Pelsall

Whilst we waited Matthew ate a double Milky Way. We also saw National Express West Midlands 4330 on a Walsall bound #89 and National Express West Midlands 4353 on a #8 to Walsall. A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching across the common. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 4339.

NX West Midlands 4339 in Pelsall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs.The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4339.

Inside NX West Midlands 4339

We set off Northwards up to Wolverhampton Road and we turned left. We ran down around the estate and and then we continued South. We ran forwards onto Lichfield Road and we passed WX54 NLP which was in the Walsall Community Transport depot and Rotala Diamond 30929 which was on a #302 service to Lower Farm. A few minutes later we saw an American school bus parked in someones garden! As we approached the A34 we saw an unidentified Daish coach. We turned left onto the A34 and we got up and got off the bus.Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4339 before it continued towards Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4339 in Bloxwich

It had now started to rain a bit so we decided not to hang around. We went to the Shelter to wait for the next. Whilst we waited we saw required National Express West Midlands 4155 on a #89 to Walsall. We also saw National Express West Midlands trainer 1434 go Southwards down the High Street. A few minutes later we saw a Rotala Diamond bus approaching on a #302 service. We flagged it down but the driver decided to carry on regardless... Not far behind it was a National Express West Midlands single decker on a #302 service. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 1751.

NX West Midlands 1751 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We deviated off the A34 onto Stafford Street and we ran the 2 or so miles into Walsall. As we travelled down the road we passed National Express West Midlands 2116 on a #302 to Lower Farm. We crossed over the A4148 and we saw an unidentified TNS minubs go past. We ran down onto St Pauls Street and we entered the bus station and we got up and got off. Matthew wanted to get off the bus pretty sharpish, I reckon he had already seen the bus he wanted to catch next. He lead us over to the middle stands and we saw required National Express West Midlands 4155 about to do the #89 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4155 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs.The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4155.

Inside NX West Midlands 4155

We set off out of the bus station onto Hatherton Street and we turned right onto the clockwise ring road. At the next junction we turned left onto Lichfield Road. We ran North for around a mile and we passed through Rushall. We continued to Shelfield and then we turned left into Mill Road. We followed the road into Pelsall Common and we turned right into the centre of Pelsall. We then set off Northwards up to Wolverhampton Road and we turned left. We ran down around the estate and and then we continued South. We ran forwards onto Lichfield Road and we passed WX54 NLP again in the Walsall Community Transport depot. We turned left onto the A34 and then right into Wolverhampton Road. As we turned left into Bell Lane we saw National Express West Midlands 4125 again on the #89 to Walsall. We ran West for a couple miles under the M6 and into New Invention. As we waited time we saw required National Express West Midlands 4126 on a #41 to Walsall. We continued West along the A4124 and then we ran inti the centre of Wednesfield. We then continued around the Bentley Bridge retail park before getting back onto the A4124 for the run into Wolverhamton. We passed under the railway line just North of the railway station and we crossed over the ring road and onto the contraflow bus lane that enters the bus station on the West side. As we entered the bus station we saw Travel Express Y864 TGH on a #32 service. Ou stand was blocked so after a while we ran around to the West side of the bus station and we set down in an empty stand. We saw a double decker on a #82 that would have got us back to Bilston, but Matthew didn't want to do it. Matthew went to the toilet and this time we worked out to use the radar key to get through the security gate instead of paying 40p for Matthew to use the toilet! Whilst we worked out what we could do we saw Arriva Midlands 3750 on a #9 service to Telford.

Arriva Midlands 3750 in Wolverhampton bus station

We needed to get back to Bilston to met mum, and we had let the #82 to so we needed to do a different bus back. Across the way we spotted a #79 and we had seen one of these on the A41 outside the bus station earlier in the day. We spotted on on stand and it was required National Express West Midlands 4136.

NX West Midlands 4136 in Wolverhampton bus station

We waited for the bus driver to ready the bus for service and whilst we waited we saw Travel Express Y244 FJN on a #1 service. Just before time the bus loaded up and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. We set off out of the bus station and onto Pipers Row. We crossed over the roundabout onto the A41 and we ran South-Westward down the main road which was also the tramline. We crossed under the main line to Birmingham by the steelyard and and the road and the tramline separated by Priestfield tram stop. We saw that the front of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4136.

Inside NX West Midlands 4136

We continued down for around a mile and we found ourselves on the edge of Bilston. The bus stopped for a while and we weren't sure if the #79 went into the bus station. We decided to stop on and if it went straight over the A463 instead of in to the bus station we would go a couple of stops South and catch something back up into town. The bus set off Southwards and we did cross over the roundabout and not go into the bus station. A couple of stops down the road we crossed over a large crossroads and we got and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4136 as it carried on towards West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4136 in Bilston

We crossed over the crossroad to the Northbound bus stop and we just missed Rotala Diamond 20003 which was on a #23 to Bilston. A few minutes later we saw a bus come around the corner. As it got closer we saw it was required National Express West Midlands 820.

NX West Midlands 820 in Bilston

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Northwards and we crossed over the A463 before we entered the bus station along Hall Street. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 820.

Inside NX West Midlands 820

We got off the bus and we had a look around. Mum was still in Morrisons across the road so we decided to take a few bus pictures. We saw National Express West Midlands 1893 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1893 in Bilston interchange

We also saw Arriva Midlands 2276 go on layover after working a #229 service from Dudley to Bilston

Arriva Midlands 2276 in Bilston interchange

Matthew went to the toilet and then we stood outside to wait for mum to arrive. Whilst we waited we saw iGo KX57 FMJ on a #53 service to Rocket Pool.

iGo KX57 FMJ in Bilston interchange

Mum turned up and we got in the car. Matthew tucked into his Greggs sausage roll and small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of Hall Street onto the A463 and we ran Eastwards up to the M6. We joined the Northbound carriageway and as we went North we saw we passed an unidentified Greys coach. We came off the M6 at Junction 16 and onto the A500. At Sideway we went east along the A50 up to Longton where we came off and onto Baths Road. We stoped at Tesco to fill up with diesel and than we ran around to Carz to see what was parked up at their depot tonight. In the first Row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

Another vehicle in the front row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Closest vehicle in the front row was Z Carz Citroen minibus LV10 OTM.

Z Carz LV10 OTM in Longton

In the second row was Z Carz Renault minibus PE10 MJK.

Z Carz PE10 MJK in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. On the road we saw Z Carz Iveco minibus GK02 NWJ.

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

Also on the road was Z Carz Renault minibus BU04 GYW.

Z Carz BU04 GYW in Longton

In the compound we saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC.

Z Carz LV59 DZC in Longton

We got back onto the A50 and we went Eastwards and we passed Silverdale PK13 GCX. At Heron Cross we came off the A50 before going onto Blurton Road. We ran through Blurton and right onto Church Road before we turned right onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until 00:00... Mark