Trip to Cannock / Wolverhampton 07-12-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
498	Cannock BS	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	70	Chaserider
835	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	Wolverhampton BS	11	NX West Midlands
3792	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, Square	9	Arriva Midlands
2006	Compton, Square	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands
6792	Wolverhampton BS	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
2132	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Samuel Street	31	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Cannock. We had seen the weather warnings for storm Darragh so we wnated to go somewhere close to home. We didn't pick until Saturday morning and appart from looking at the weather we did no research. Matthew got up around 10:30 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. Whilst we waited to joined the A500 we saw former Shelton Care Group minibus DY08 FFX going the other way. 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 an unidentified Jones Coaches, white minibus YS22 ZZE, 2 unidentified adventure coaches, an unidentified Ferris coach, an unidentified coachleasing.com coach, an unidentified Bennetts (blue and orange) coach, Alfa 103 / 117 and Selwyns BV23 ZWB(#540) / BV67 JXN(#120). 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. When we had finished we headed out to the car park and we saw GJG Travel MC19 MMX parked up outside.

GJG Travel MC19 MMX in Four Crosses

We got back into the car and we re-joined the Eastbound A5. Just before we got to the A4601 we turned left onto the A4601 and we headed Northwards into town. We ran forwards onto the A34 and we ran past the bus station. We pulled up next to the bus station and we said goodbye to mum before heading into the bus station. On the way in we saw Chaserider 198 on a #74 to Stafford.

Chaserider 198 in Cannock bus station

We headed into the shopping centre and Matthew went to the toilet. Once we had finished we came out and had a look around to see what we might catch. We saw a bus on the bottom standing heading inti the West Midlands. As we got closer we saw it was Chaserider 498 on a #70 to Wolverhampton.

Chaserider 498 in Cannock bus station

We got on the bus and we booked to singles to Wolverhampton at £2 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station and we turned around at the roundabout and we went Eastwards along the A34. At the roundabout we turned left onto the B5012 and we ran through Dartmouth Road. We turned right onto Hatherton Road and we turned left onto Gorsey Lane. We turned left onto Oaks Drive and we ran North Eastwards through Bideford Way and we turned left onto Ascot Drive. We turned right onto Longford Road and we turned right onto Delta Way. We turned left onto the A5 and we turned right onto Walkmill Lane and we ran forwards onto Mill Lane and we ran forwards onto Coppice Lane and we ran through Cheslyn Hay. We turned right onto the B4156 and and we turned right onto High Street and we turned left onto onto Wolverhampton Road. We turned right onto the A462 and we ran forwards onto the A460 and we ran through Shareshill. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Turnstone Drive. We turned right onto New Road and we turned left onto onto Baneberry Drive and we turned left onto onto Brookhouse Lane and we continued onto The Avenue. We turned right onto the A460 and we headed up to Westcroft. We ran up the hill and into Underhill and past the fromer Berry Brook Farm pub. We ran down the hill into The Scotlands and we got up and got off the bus. We had a walk around to see what we might catch. We saw Veezu SG74 LKU. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 835 on a #11 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 835 in The Scotlands

We got on the bus and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.80 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down Cannock Road and we crossed under both railway lines. We passed nearby to the railway line and we ran forwards onto Stafford Street. We turned left onto Broad Street and we turned left onto a special bus lane that runs alongside the inside of the ring road contraflow to the traffic. We then emerged from the cutting at the entrance of the bus station. We got up and we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the toilet and we saw Woods Coaches 380 on a #210 service to Gatwick Airport.

Woods Coaches 380 in Wolverhampton bus station

We had a look around for something to catch. Matthew noticed there was a #9 to Bridgenorth due. We waited at the stand for around 10 minutes and the bus appeared. As it arrived on stand we sw it was dud Arriva Midlands 3792 on a #9 to Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3792 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3792

This is a bus that we first had back in March 2023 from Telford to Oakengates on a #6 service. The emergency door open alarm was going off, so the driver attempted to silence the alarm by opening and closing all the door but to no avail. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. About 2 miles West of the ring road we came into village of Compton. As we approached the main junction we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3792 before it continued on towards Bridgnorth.

Arriva Midlands 3792 in Compton

Once off the bus we walked into the pub on the corner and Matthew went to the toilet and I went to the bar to order drinks. Mathew had a glass of Coke and we sat down in the main seating area. When we had finished we went outside and we crossed over Bridgenorth Road and headed to the bus stop. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard so we huddled in the bus shelter to wait for a bus back to Wolverhamptom. There should have been an Arriva Midlands bus first but it must have been running late. A few minutes later we saw a bus turn the corner. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2006 on a #10 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 2006 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street and we then turned right onto Bilston Street. We ran past the police station and onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Once we got off the bus Matthew indicated that he wanted to have another drink. We walked across the road to the premier shop and we bought some chocolate bars and a bottle of Coke. We crossed back over to the bus station and we waited for a bus towards Walsall. We formulated a plan to meet up with mum in Bloxwich. Whilst we waited we saw National Express West Midlands 2077 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 2077 in Wolverhampton bus station

Whilst we waited Matthew ate some Cadbury's Snack which had just bought from the shop. A few minutes later a bus came on stand. As it got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 6792 on a #529 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 3792 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station. We left towards the tram station and we crossed over the ring road and onto the A454 and we ran through Monmore. We continued into Moseley and we Northwards into Portobello. We ran through Willenhall and we walked past thre former HSBC Bank. We ran through Bentley and out the other side and down into Reedswood. We travelled through Pleck and over Walsall and we ran forwards onto the A4148. We turned right onto Wolverhampton Street and we ran past the Crown Wharf Shopping Park. We ran forwards onto Townend Street and we crossed the roundabout into St Paul's Street and into the bus station. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We decided to have a qiuick walk around and take a few picture before we caught something up to Bloxwich. We saw APP Carz AV11 UFZ stopped outside the bus station on St Pauls Street.

APP Carz AV11 UFZ in Walsall bus station

We walked back to the bus station just as a driver was getting a bus ready for service. As we got closer we saw it was National Express West Midlands 2132 on a #31 to Mossley.

NX West Midlands 2132 in Walsall bus station

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 messaged mum to tell her to set off and meet us at Bloxwich. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked down Wolverhampton Road and we crossed over the High Street and we went into the pub. Matthew went to the toi;et and afterwards we had a can of Coke. Mum called to say she was outside so we went outside to the car. Mum needed to drop something off at work so we headed up to Brownhills. We turned around and we headed North up Park Road. We turned right and we headed Eastwards aklong the A4124. We ran through Pelsall and over the Wyrley and Essington Canal and we headed to the roundabout at the top of Brownhills. We crossed over the roundabout onto the B4155 and we turned right onto Great Charles Street. We stopped for a few minutes near to mums work and Matthew had the bakewell tart we bougt at the Truck Stop Cafe earlier. When mum was ready to go we headed home via the chip shop. We turned left onto the Sadler Road and left onto the B4155. We stopped at the chip shop and Matthew had sausage chips and gravy. After I had finished eating we set off along the B4155 and we turned right onto the A452. At the roundabout we joined the Westbound A5. We ran to the bottom of Cannock and we joined the Westbound A460. We ran to the south of Cannock and we joined the Northbound M6. As we battled our way Northwards through the winds and we rain we saw an unidentified Bruce's Coaches BF21 CZV(#590) and Woods Coaches 335(#120). We came off the M6 at junction 15 and we joined the Northbound A500. We came off at Stoke and we turned right onto Wheildon Road. We stopped at uncle Dave's house and dropped uncle Dave off. We got back in the car and we set off for Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. 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 19:40. Matthew chilled out on his computer. Matthew had his medication and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. Matthew had a can of Cherry Coke. Matthew settled down around 01:00... Mark

Trip to Wolverhampton / Walsall 18-03-2017

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
4152	Wolverhampton BS	Bilston, War Memorial (Stop BB)	79	NX West Midlands
2706	Bilston Interchange	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BA)	326	Arriva Midlands
2118	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	Walsall St Pauls BS	302	NX West Midlands
4540	Walsall St Pauls BS	Wolverhampton BS	69	NX West Midlands
3748	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, Martham Drive (W Bound)	9	Arriva Midlands
4797	Compton, Compton Square	Wolverhampton BS	10A	Arriva Midlands
5402	Wolverhampton BS	Wednesfield, Church Street(nwmjpawp)	59	NX West Midlands
4133	Wednesfield, Church Street(nwmjpawt)	Wolverhampton BS	59	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Wolverhampton. It was going to be the last trip that we did with Matthew for nearly 2 weeks so we wanted to make it a special one. We showed Matthew the map of the Midlands and North West area and on the map Matthew chose Wolverhampton. We checked the weather for the area and it was for mainly dry weather with some sunshine and showers. Research for the trip consisted of going on the Network West Midlands website and downloading Wolverhampton area map. I think Matthew wanted to ride on a few more of the national Express West Midlands Y reg Dennis Trident double deckers. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We headed into Trentham and when we got to Trentham Gardens we turned right onto the A34. At the next set off lights we went left onto Whitmore Road and we ran up the hill to the A519. We turned right onto the A519 and then left at the roundabout onto the Southbound M6. As we ran South we passed a number of vehicles. We saw 4 unidentified Birmingham International coaches, an unidentified Aston Manor coach, an unidentified Wheelers coach as well as Park's of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 519 (#570) & an unidentified white Renault minibus. We came off the M6 at junction 12 and we went Eastwards to the Truckers Rest on the south side of the A5 just before Cannock, where we stopped for dinner. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast which he washed down with a can of Coke. Once we had finished we got back in the car and we went West along the A5. At the lights we turned left onto Vicarage Road. We ran through the village of Four Ashes and then we turned left onto the A449. We ran South down the A449 for around 5 miles until we got to the edge of Wolverhampton and then we went onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran past the bus and railway stations and then we turned left onto Bilston Street. We turned right onto Pipers Row and then left into Castle Street where we stopped to get out of the car. We said goodbye to mum and we walked to the bus station whilst mum went to park the car somewhere. The first thing we saw when we entered the bus station was required National Express West Midlands Dennis Trident double decker 4152 about to work the next #79 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4152 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do this bus so we waited for the crew to change over and the driver to ready the bus for service. We got on and we booked nBus day tickets at £4.30 each before we went upstairs. As we waited for the bus to depart I checked the football fixtures to see where West Brom were playing. West Brom were at home and in the early kick off against Arsenal so going to west Brom on the bus today was perhaps not the best option! We set off out of the bus station and onto Pipers Row. We stopped at the roundabout and we spotted that the bus in front of us was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4152.

Inside NX West Midlands 4152

We ran onto the A41 and we ran South Eastwards for a mile or so. Before the road and the tram line separated we saw an old petrol station on the left which now appeared to be a a garage for a minibus company. In the yard we saw maroon minibuses RJ04 WNT & P238 OEV. We also saw an unidentified Thandi Coaches maroon coloured double decker tri-axle coach go across the road in front of us. The road and the tram line separated and we continued for around another mile or so into Bilston town centre. When we got to the stop by the war memorial we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4152 before it continued south to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4152 in Bilston

Once off the bus bus we crossed over Lichfield Street and we walked Northwards towards the roundabout. We then walked along Hall Street towards the Interchange. We stopped at the bridge so Matthew could take a picture of the Birmingham bound tram below us. Once in the interchange we had a look around to see what we could catch. We saw required Arriva Midlands 2156 on layover and we also saw dud National Express West Midlands 4136 arrive on a #82 to Dudley. We also saw required Banga Travel V261 DRB on a #530 to Rocket Pool.

Banga Travel V261 DRB in Bilston interchange

A few minutes later we saw an Arriva Midlands bus come into the Interchange. It was dud Arriva Midlands 2706 which was about to work a #326 service to Bloxwich.

Arriva Midlands 2706 in Bilston interchange

We decided to do the bus so after the driver had readied it for service, we got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the Interchange and we turned left onto Hall Street and then turned left onto the A41. We turned right onto Mount Pleasant and right onto Beckett Street. We turned left onto Lunt Road which runs parallel to the Black Country Route for a short while and we swept North along Vulcan Road and Lunt Road on Darlston Lane. We Crossed Willenhall Road onto Moseley Road and we turned right onto Beccles Drive. We continued onto Dilloways Lane and we crossed the A454 before we entered Willenhall from the West. We decided to get off in Willenhall. We came into the town and we turned left onto Cheapside. We left Willenhall along Lower Lichfield Street and we ran North Eastwards onto Stringes Lane. We continued onto Charles Street and we turned left onto the A462. We travel through Shortheath and continued north up to New Invention. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A4124 and we ran under the M6 and travelled East for around a mile. We turned right onto Sneyd Hall Road and we ran around the housing estate along central Drive. We turned left onto the B4210 and at the traffic light we turned right onto the A4124 again. We continued to the A34 and we headed South into Bloxwich. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2706.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2706

Once we got off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2706 before it returned to Bilston on the next #326 service.

Arriva Midlands 2706 in Bloxwich

We walked down the High Street and we crossed over the road and visited the Martin's newsagents. Matthew had a can of Coke and a small bottle of Barr cola as well as a couple of chocolate bars. Once we had paid for the stuff we came out of the shop and i asked if Matthew want to walk onto Wolverhampton Road to catch a #89 or cross over to wait for something going towards Walsall. Matthew chose to go towards Walsall so we crossed back over the High Street and we walked towards the stop. On the way we saw Arriva Midlands 3308 on a #2 to Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3308 in Bloxwich

We stood at the stop and we waited for the next Walsall bound bus. A few minutes later we saw a National Express West Midlands single decker bus in the distance. As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 2118 on a #302 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 2118 in Bloxwich

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off down the High Street and we turned slight left onto the B4210 and we headed the 2 miles or so into Walsall. Coming the other way we passed Rotala Diamond 30854 on a #301 to Mossley and iGo KX08 OLB on a #25 service to Kingstanding. We crossed the ring road and we headed into the bus station down St Pauls Street. The bus pulled up on the end of one of the adjacent stands and we let the bus empty out before Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 2118.

Inside NX West Midlands 2118

Once we got off the bus we headed to the toilet and Matthew used the facilities. We then had a wander around to see what buses were about. We walked through the bus station and onto Hatherton Road where we saw Arriva Midlands 2704 on layover in between workings on the #35A to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 2704 in Walsall

We also saw Arriva Midlands 3307 whcih was about to work a #2 to Cannock. We walked back into the bus station and we spotted National Express West Midlands 4540 which was about to work a #69 service to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4540 in Walsall bus station

We decided to do this bus so we crossed over to the stand and we waited for the bus to be readied for service. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out off the bus station and we ran along St Pauls Street. At the roundabout we ran onto Green Lane and we crossed over the ring road. We ran North for around a 1/2 mile and then we turned left onto Stephenson Avenue. We entered the Reedswood retail Park and we stopped outside Sainsbury's before we returned back onto the main road. We ran North along Stephenson Avenue and around the Beechdale housing estate where we passed National Express West Midlands 4164 on a #70A to Walsall. We turned left onto Stephenson Square and we ran do to Eddison Road. At the end we turned right onto Cavendish Road and we ran past a pub where there were around 5 ABC Supreme minibuses parked up! We ran forwards onto Bentley lane and we crossed over the M6. We then ran through a woodland area and past Willenhall Cemetery before we entered Shortheath. We briefly joined the A462 before we turned right onto Bloxwich Road North. We ran North up to Pooles Lane and we turned left onto A4124. We passed through New invention and at the next roundabout we turned right onto the A462. We turned right onto Coppice Farm Way and we ran back Southwards towards the A4124. We noticed the bus in front of us was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4540.

Inside NX West Midlands 4540

We continued West along the A4124 and then we turned right onto peacock Avenue up towards Ashmore. We turned left onto Grifiths Drive and we ran Southwards to a big roundabout. We turned right onto Linthouse lane and we went Westwards for another 1/2 mile. We crossed over a roundabout onto Lower Prestwood Road and forwards onto Prestwood Road West. After around another 1/2 mile we turned left into New Cross hospital and we ran through the grounds, turning right onto Wolverhampton Road. We were now back in familiar territory just to the West of Wednesfield town centre. We headed West and we turned right onto the A4124. We ran back into town along the dual carriageway and we crossed under the railway line. We crossed the ring road and we ran along the contraflow lane adjacent to the ring road that took us straight to the entrance of the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. We considered what bus to do next. We walked up the centre of the bus station and at the top was Travel Express Dart Y864 TGH which was about to set off on a #32 service to Northwood park.

Travel Express Y864 TGH in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided not to do this bus and Matthew then wanted to use the toilet. Matthew used the facilities and then we spotted Arriva Midlands 3748 come into the bus station on a #9 service to Telford via Bridgenorth.

Arriva Midlands 3748 in Wolverhampton bus station

Matthew decided he wanted to do this bus so we walked down the Eastern side of the bus station to the stand on which it was stood. As we waited to get on I quickly whipped out my Wolverhampton bus map and looked which direct the bus went out of town. I saw it went through Compton and I had a vague recollection of catching a bus to their just before Christmas. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus ticket to the driver, stating we were going as far as Compton. We then sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. About 2 miles West of the ring road we came into village of Compton. At the main junction we turned left onto Bridgenorth Road. We decided to get up at this point which was lucky as we had gone to far to be of use. Once of the bus we walked the 200 or so yards back into the centre of the village and we crossed over the road to the stop. At this point there were 4 buses an hour, and there was one due in a few minutes. The bus came barrelling around the corner off the Holloway, and it was an Arriva Midlands double decker! As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 4797 on the #10A service to Wolverhampton.

Arriva Midlands 4797 in Compton

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street and we then turned right onto Bilston Street. We ran past the police station and onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. We let the bus empty and then Matthew took a picture inside the top deck of Arriva Midlands 4797.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4797

The plan was now to do a very quick out and back service that would only take 30-45 minutes. There wre a fewoptions around that we let go for one reason or another, that left us with a run up to Wednesfield with National Express West Midlands 5402.

NX West Midlands 5402 in Wolverhampton bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw National Express West Midlands 6785 on a #126 to Birmingham via Dudley.

NX West Midlands 6785 in Wolverhampton bus station

Once the driver was ready we boarded National Express West Midlands 5402 and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 5402.

Inside NX West Midlands 5402

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Pipers Row. We turned left into Tower street and right into Market Street before turning right again into Queen Street and back onto Pipers Row. We went past the Slade Rooms where we saw Crosslands coach NNZ 9019, tour bus of the LA Guns. We then joined the Northbound ring road for a few yards. We double back on ourselves before turning left into Wednesfield Way and going under the railway line. We carried on along a dual carriageway and we passed New Testement Church of God minibus V372 NGD & KY59 KXH. After about a 1000 yard we turned left onto Wolverhampton Road. We went past New Cross Hospital and forwards onto Rookery Street. Near to the Guru Nanak temple and Sainsbury's we veered left onto Wednesfield High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 5402 as it carried on towards Ashmore Park.

NX West Midlands 5402 in Wednesfield

We crossed the road and we sat on the bench by the bus stop opposite. Matthew then had a Crunchie and small bottle or barr cola whilst we waited for the next bus. with the #59 running every 8 minutes we knew we wouldn't have to wait too long. Sure enough within a few minutes another bus appeared and it was another Dennis Trident! As it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands 4133 on a #59 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4133 in Wednesfield

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4133.

Inside NX West Midlands 4133

We ran out of the High Street and forwards onto Rookery Street. We ran forwards onto Wolverhampton Road past New Cross hospital. We headed West and we turned right onto the A4124. We ran back into town along the dual carriageway and we crossed under the railway line. We crossed the ring road and we ran along the contraflow lane adjacent to the ring road that took us straight to the entrance of the bus station. Once in the bus station we got up and got off the bus. Mum had called to say she had moved the car onto Queen Street. Outside the bus station we saw Fastline Travel VDL coach YD14 GCK stopped on Pipers Row.

Fastline Travel YD14 GCK in Wolverhampton bus station

We spotted the car and we headed up towards it...Uncle Dave managed to walk into a post on the edge of the pavement and bang up his knee and jar his back! We got back to the car and mum was waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and a bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off along Queen Street and onto Pipers Row. We got onto the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran North to the A449. As we turned onto the A449 we saw Marshalls of Sutton coaches PM17 JAM & PM16 JAM. We then travelled North for around 5 miles up to the A5 where we turned right. As we ran East to the motorway we saw Travelmaster M400 STR. We joined the Northbound M6 and we ran up to junction 15. As we travelled North we passed an unidentified white VDL coach and Solus Travel W50 LUS. We got onto the Northbound A500 and we ran up to Sideway. At the A50 we went East to Longton where we came off and went to the Tesco petrol station. We topped up with diesel and then we crossed over the A50 to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. On the first row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Also in the first row was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Next to the Volkswagen was Z Carz Ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Closest bus in the front row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

On the second row was Z Carz Mercedes minibus LV52 TZY.

Z Carz LV52 TZY in Longton

We turned into Willow row to see what was parked up in the compound. In the yard we saw Z Carz Ford minibus LG09 JVX.

Z Carz LG09 JVX in Longton

We turned around and we headed back onto the A50. We went Westwards. 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 19:00. 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

Trip to Bilston / Walsall 10-12-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2296	Bilston Interchange	Willenhall, Lion Hotel (Stop WF)	326	Arriva Midlands
6765	Willenhall, Market Place (Stop WE)	Walsall St Pauls BS	529	NX West Midlands
30411	Walsall St Pauls BS	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BP)	302	NX West Midlands
4125	Bloxwich, Bulls Head (Stop BD)	Walsall St Pauls BS	301	NX West Midlands
1839	Walsall Bradford Place BS	Bilston Interchange	34	NX West Midlands
V882 HBY	Bilston Interchange	Wolverhampton, Bilston Street (o/s Police Station)	905	Costal Liners
4783	Wolverhampton BS	Compton, opp Woodland Avenue	10A	Arriva Midlands
2069	Compton, adj Tettenhall Wood Institute	Wolverhampton BS	10	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to go to Bilston. Mum had some shopping to pick up from shops in the West Midlands area, so we gave Matthew a list of destination from the West Midlands and from the list he chose Bilston. He had originally chosen Walsall but went we mention we would be eating at the truck stop in Cannock on the way Matthew changed his mind and chose Bilston. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 and we ran down to the A5035. We ran West towards the A34 and we passed New In Lane we saw First Potteries 67641 on a #22 to Longton. By Trenthan Garden we went North up the A34 and we turned left onto Whitmore Road. We joined the A519 briefly before we went onto the Southbound M6. As we were about to go down the slip road we saw Daish's Holidays FJ08 BYO coming off the motorway. Traffic was quite light and as we travelled down to junction 10 we saw 2 x Aston Manor coaches, white minibus V310 JAT, an unidentified Prospect Coaches coach & Park's of Hamilton (National Express) LSK 835. We went West along the A454 and we followed the Black Country Route all the way to the edge of Bilston where we turned North onto the A41. We ran up the road and we turned left onto Church Street where we parked at the side of the road. Once out of the car we walked over the bridge over the tramline and we turned left into the Interchange. On the way in we saw required Arriva Midlands 2274 on a #326 to Walsall via Willenhall.

Arriva Midlands 2274 in Bilston interchange

We also saw required National Express West Midlands 1890 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1890 in Bilston interchange

We walked into the Interchange and into the cafe. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Cherryade. He also helped himself to some of mum's dinner as he liked the looked of it after throwing out a cute smile as mum took her first bite! Whilst we ate we saw Banga Travel YN53 ELV on a #530 service, Rotala Diamond 20002 on a #303 to County Bridge and Walsall Community Transport minibus YX09 HRU. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and Matthew went to the the toilet. We then spotted Arriva Midlands on a #326 to Walsall so we decided to go and catch it.

Arriva Midlands 2296 in Bilston interchange

We got on the bus and we book nBus day tickets at £4.30 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we saw required Costal Liners ex First double decker V882 HBY on the #905 bingo bus. We turned left onto Hall Street and then turned left onto the A41. We turned right onto Mount Pleasant and right onto Beckett Street. We turned left onto Lunt Road which runs parallel to the Black Country Route for a short while and we swept North along Vulcan Road and Lunt Road on Darlston Lane. We Crossed Willenhall Road onto Moseley Road and we turned right onto Beccles Drive. We continued onto Dilloways Lane and we crossed the A454 before we entered Willenhall from the West. We decided to get off in Willenhall. We came into the town and we turned left onto Hall Street. We continued onto John Street and upper Lichfield street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 2296 before it carried on towards Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2296 in Willenhall

Once the bus went around the corner, we set off towards Cheapside and we turned right onto the pedestrianised Cross Street. At the end we turned left onto Market Place and to the end Onto new Road where the main bus stop was situated. We decided to carry on towards Walsall on a #529 which runs around every 7-8 minutes between Wolverhampton and Walsall. There was a bus due in a couple of minutes, and we did't have to wait long before required National Express West Midlands 6765 on the #529.

NX West Midlands 6765 in Willenhall

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off Eastwards along the B4464 and we ran the mile or so into Bentley before crossed over the M6 at junction 10. We ran along Wolverhampton Road for around a mile and we deviated off the dual carriageway past the Crown Wharf retail park and into the town centre. We continued onto Townsend Street and we turned right onto St Pauls Street where the bus station is situated at the end. We pulled into the bus station and the bus emptied out and Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 6765.

Inside NX West Midlands 6765

Once we got off the bus we walked to the toilets and Matthew used the facilities. Once we had finished we walked out of the East side of the bus station where there where a couple of vehicles parked up including dud Arriva Midlands 2706 which was about to work a #35A to Druid's Heath.

Arriva Midlands 2706 in Walsall

We walked back into the bus station and we saw National Express West Midlands 4126 about to work a #89 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4126 in Walsall bus station

Having just missed out doing the double decker, we decided to go in a more familiar direction and do a #301 or a #302 up to Bloxwich. We saw a Rotala Diamond single decker on a #302 so we decided to do it. It was dud Rotala Diamond 30411.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Walsall bus station

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. Once again we didn't realise it was a dud bus until we got on it. The bus set off out of the bus station and we went North up Stafford Street. We crossed over the A4148 continuing North up Stafford Street and we ran the 2 miles or so up to Bloxwich passing National Express West Midlands 4190 on a #301 and National Express West Midlands 4155 on a #302 both coming the other way. When we got to town we went up the High Street and we got off just after Wolverhampton Road. We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Rotala Diamond 30411 before it carried on towards Lower Farm.

Rotala Diamond 30411 in Bloxwich

Across the road we saw required Arriva Midlands 2731 about to work a #326 to Bilston.

Arriva Midlands 2731 in Bloxwich

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do that bus and he said yes. We crossed the road and as we got there I realised that the bus started in Wolverhampton Road and it pulled off and around the corner to that stop. As we thought about what to do next required National Express West Midlands 4125 came around the corner on a #301 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4125 in Bloxwich

We flagged the bus down and we got on it. 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 as the bus pulled off Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4125 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 4125

We deviated off the A34 onto Stafford Street and we ran the 2 or so miles into Walsall, over the A4148 and on St Pauls Street. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off. We decided that we were going back to Bilston to head off the bingo bus, which was due at the Bilston Interchange at 15:35. We walked into the town centre along the mainly pedestrianised street where all the express services stop. At one of those stands we saw National Express West Midlands 6732 on a X51 express service to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 6732 in Walsall bus station

We turned right onto The Bridge and at the next junction we went forwards onto Bradford Street. The other bus station was at the other end of Bradford Street in Bradford Place... It was a triangle shaped area with stands on two sides. As we got to the apex of the triangle we spotted that the nearest stand was for the #34 service which I knew from buses I had seen earlier ran to Bilston. We got to the stand and within a minnute a single decker appeared. It was required National Express West Midlands 1839.

NX West Midlands 1839 in Walsall bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set of out of Bradford Place and we continued along Bradford Street onto Wednesbury Road. Just before we crossed over the A4148 we went past the Fastline depot where We saw coach BK10 EHS at the front of the depot. We crossed under the M6 North of Ikea and we ran through to Darlaston where we saw Sandwell Travel EK51 XXG on a #333X service. We crossed under the Black Country Route along darlaston lane and we zigged and zagged under the road before we came onto the road from the South side off Hare Street. We ran West along the A463 for one junction and we then turned right onto the A41 before entering the town and the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 1839 before it carried on towards Stowlawn.

NX West Midlands 1839 in Bilston interchange

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet and then we walked into town to visit a shop. There was a rather large Nisa supermarket on the corner so we went in and Matthew had a couple of small bottles of Coke and 2 chocolate bars. Once we had finished shopping we headed back to the interchange to wait the few minutes before the 15:35 was due. As we got to the stand where we need we saw Thandi T99 NND arrive on a #334 from walsall.

Thandi T99 NND in Bilston interchange

We also saw red Rotala Diamond 30861 on layover before working a #43 to West Bromwich.

Rotala Diamond 30861 in Bilston interchange

Whilst we waited Matthew had a Milky Way and a small bottle of lemonade. A few minutes later we saw the distinctive (for the area) bus approaching... As expected it was Costal Liners V882 HBY on the #905 service to Wolverhampton Bilston Street.

Costal Liners V882 HBY in Bilston interchange

We let the hoards of bingo revellers get off the bus and then we got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and we sat down before Matthew took a picture inside Costal Liners V882 HBY.

Inside Costal Liners V882 HBY

It used to be 32882 in the First Midland fleet based at Redditch and was presumably sold on as surplus after the sale to Rotala Diamond. The service is an express service and doesn't have to many stops. We set off out of the bus station and onto the A41. We joined the Westbound Black Country Route and we ran for about a mile before we turned right onto the main Dudley to Wolverhampton route, Birmingham New Road. As we travelled North it was now almost dark. We passed a number of #126 branded buses including National Express West Midlands 6780 & 6786 as well at De Courcey Travel FJ11 GKN on a #410 National Express coach service heading towards Shrewsbury. after travelling around 2 miles we crossed the ring and we ran into along Snow Hill and Forwards onto Garrick Street before we turned right into Bilston Street where we got up and got off the bus. After thinking we might catch a bus around the corner into the bus station we decided to walk around the corner onto Pipers Row where the bus station is situated. When we got to the bus station we headed to the toilet and because of the way the barrier was set up not only did I have to pay 20p for Matthew (which is okay I guess), but I had to pay an extra 20p to assist Matthew getting into the toilet! Once we had used these poorly thought out toilets we headed into the main part of the bus station so that we could do a quick out and back journey We spotted required Arriva Midlands Dart 2209 on a #57 to Bilston via Willenhall. Just as we were about to get on it Matthew spotted required Arriva Midlands 4783 on a #10A to Pattingham.

Arriva Midlands 4783 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do this bus as it was likely to be withdrawn from service before the end of the year. We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 4783.

Inside Arriva Midlands 4783

The bus set off out of the bus station and onto the ring road we came back inside the town along Broad Street and we turned right into princes square and left into Lichfield Street. We ran out of town stopping on Lichfield street and Darlington Street and we crossed the ring road onto Chapel Ash. There appeared to be about 4 buses an hour as far as Perton, but we decided to only go as far as Compton, not least because when we left we could say we came Straight Outta Compton... We continued West along the A454 and road very quickly became rural. We barrelled along in the darkness for around 2 miles and such was the village of Compton we actually passed the point where we had intended getting of and we were about a 1/3 of the way to Perton when we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 4783 as it went Straight Outta Compton.

Arriva Midlands 4783 in Compton

We crossed the road and we walked along for about 100 yds before we came across a brick shelter, which was most welcome as the rain started to come down heavier. There was a bus due around 16:40. As we stood at the stop we could see distant double deckers turning a corner. It turned out that if we had gone a stop further West that we would have been on the route of the #1 Dudley to Wolverhampton service! The bus turned up and it was around 10 minutes late as it got closer we saw that it was required National Express West Midlands single decker 2069.

NX West Midlands 2069 in Compton

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. It wasn't too much of a surprise that the bus was a little late as it seemed to take quite a bit longer that the 18 minutes the journey should have taken when we left town on the Arriva bus. Wolves were playing at home and it was bound to have an effect on traffic, as well as it being the run up to Christmas. We ran back into town down the A454 and passed the Harley Davidson Shop on Chapel Ash. We crossed the ring road onto Salop Street and we ran forwards onto Cleveland Street. We turned left onto Garrick Street following required Arriva Midlands 2707 which was on the #10A service. We then turned right onto Bilston Street. It started to rain heavy and we queue for quite a while in traffic to get onto the ring road and then enter the bus station. Once we got into the bus station the bus didn't empty as the end must be treated as a circular, so we got off the bus and we set off on foot towards where mum was waiting in the car on Tower Street. On the way we saw National Express West Midlands 6760 on a #32 Northwood Park circular.

NX West Midlands 6760 in Wolverhampton bus station

We crossed Pipers Row and we met up with mum, who was waiting with the car with Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We set off out of town back around to Pipers Row and onto the anti clockwise ring road. It took around 20 minutes just to get to the toher side of the bus station ans the Sat Nav took us another way to try and save us time. We turned right onto Wednesfield Road and we zigged through some street up the the A460 before we turned left and crossed back under the railway line before we joined the Northbound A449. As mum didn't have much dinner (Matthew ate 1/2 of it), we decided to stop for some chips. We tried to stop at the shops by the Ming Moon but the car park was full and flooded! It took a while to get back onto the A449, and we ran North up to Wobaston Road. There were some shops there and mum went to the Co-op and I got a few chips whilst Matthew and uncle Dave sensibly stayed in the car! We then ran North up the A449 and we got back onto the M6 at Junction 13. We ran North and we were passed by Tyrers Coaches coach TYR 15R. We left the M6 at Junction 15 and we went North up the A500 and we came off at Sideway and went east on the A50. We came off at Longton and we went to check out was was at Z Carz tonight. In the first row was Z Carz minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

Next in the front row was Z Carz minibus YS09 LWV.

Z Carz YS09 LWV in Longton

Nearest vehicle in the first row was Z Carz minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

In the second row we saw Z Carz Renault minibus MV53 KKO.

Z Carz MV53 KKO in Longton

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

Z Carz GK02 NWJ in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Citroen minibus LV59 DZC. Further along the road we saw Z Carz minibus NA06 SUO.

Z Carz NA06 SUO in Longton

We returned onto the A50 and we went to Baths Road so we could fill up with petrol at Tesco. Once we had topped up we re-joined the A50 and we saw Wints coach L964 NWW. We came of the A50 at Heron Cross and we ran through Blurton along Blurton Road. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive, getting home around 19:30. For a late tea we had bangers and mash followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:00... Mark