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 Bilston / Wolverhampton 13-10-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
20745	Bilston Interchange	Dudley BS	223	Rotala Diamond
6761	Dudley BS	Wolverhampton BS	X7	NX West Midlands
YJ67 FYN	Wolverhampton BS	Wednesfield, Church Street	57	iGo
2107	Wednesfield, Church Street	Wolverhampton BS	50	iGo
4335	Wolverhampton BS	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	11	NX West Midlands
4358	The Scotlands, Leason Lane	Wolverhapmton BS	11	NX West Midlands
4366	Wolverhampton BS	Bilston, War Memorial (Stop BB)	79	NX West Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Bilston. The weather had been awful for the last couple of days and although it was set to improve the weather was moving in from the South. We gave Matthew a choice of destination in the Midlands and from the list Matthew chose Bilston. Other than checking the weather and AA Roadwatch, we did no research. Matthew got up around 09:45 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:30 onto the A5035 and we saw former party Bus L102 GBO parked up by the industrial estate. We ran over the railway line to Trentham and at the roundabout we went Northwards onto the A34. We turned left onto Whitmore Road and we followed Bulgarian minibus Y 3097 HA. We got onto the Northbound A519 and we turned left onto the Southbound M6. As we travelled Southwards we saw an unidentified Ashcroft's Travel coach, preserved Crosville 103. Bennetts VX63 YHB, an unidentified Don's of ??? coach, Silverline (Landflight) YT12 RKZ, grey minibus DG60 FZO, an unidentified maroon double decker Van Hool coach with trailer & white minibus DY68 AOA. After Stafford services and just before we got to junction 14 traffic came to a standstill. The road had been closed temporarily to recover an overturned vehicle. This added around 15 minutes to our journey. We got going again and we made good time to junction 10. We came off the M6 at junction 10 and we went Westwards on the Black Country route. We ran West for a few miles and as we approached the Bilston turning we passed RH Travel VU13 EES. We turned right onto the A41 and left onto Church Street. We turned right onto Walsall Street and we crossed back over the tramline before we parked up in Walsall Street car park. We walked back down Walsall Street and we walked through Stafford Street to the interchange. As we got to the interchange we saw National Express West Midlands 1846 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1846 in Bilston interchange

Behind the National Express single decker was Thandi ex Stagecoach Dart NK56 EPL on a #334 to Walsall.

Thandi NK56 EPL in Bilston interchange

We also saw National Express West Midlands 4363 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 4363 in Bilston interchange

We went to use the toilet in the interchange but it was engaged, so we crossed over to the outdoor market site and Matthew used a toilet there. We crossed back over the the interchange and met up with mum again. For dinner Mathew had an all day breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we went back to the counter and brought a small bottle of Cola. We said goodbye to mum and we walked around the bus station to find something we could catch. On layover was required Rotala Diamond Solo 20745 in between runs on the #223 to Dudley.

Rotala Diamond 20745 in Bilston interchange

We decided to do the required Rotala Solo, so we walked down to the bottom stand to catch the bus. We got on the bus and we brought nBus day tickets at £4.30 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the interchange and we ran forwards onto Hall Street. We turned right onto the A41 and right onto the Black Country Route. We ran fast for around a mile and we turned right onto Overfield Drive. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we stopped outside the pub. We re-joined the Black Country Route and at the end we turned right onto the A4123. We turned left onto Rookery Road and at the end we turned right onto Woodcross Lane We turned right onto Pugh Road and left onto Mount Road. We turned left onto Dovedale Road and onto Woodcross Street. We joined walthan Avenue and right onto Robert Wynd. We turned left onto Hall Lane and right onto Gorge Road. We ran forwards onto Bilston Road and we turned left onto Sedgley High Street. We ran Southwards onto Dudley Road and we turned right onto Modern Hill. We turned left onto Vale Street and we ran down the hill into Lower Gornall. We ran forwards onto Ruiton Street and forwards again onto Temple Street. We continued onto Zoar street and left onto Bull Street. We turned left onto Himley Road and and we turned left into Central Drive. At the end we turned left onto Grosvenor Road. We turned right onto Corncrake Road and right onto Milking Bank. At the roundabout we turned left onto Himley Road. At the roundabout we turned left onto the B4176. When we got to the edge of Dudley we turned left onto Priory Street and left onto Prior Road. We turned left onto Ednam Road and right onto the Broadway. We turned right into Castle Street and left into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew went to the toilet and then we had a wander around to take a few bus pictures. We saw National Express West Midlands 5419 on layover in between runs on the #1 to Tattershall.

NX West Midlands 5419 in Dudley bus station

We carried on around the bus station to the main layover area. We saw Rotala Diamond 30888 on layover before working a #226 to Merry Hill.

Rotala Diamond 30888 in Dudley bus station

Aslo we saw National Express West Midlands 4431 on a #126 to Birmingham.

NX West Midlands 4431 in Dudley bus station

We walked to the other half of the bus station and we decided to catch something vaguely back towards Bilston after such a long run. We saw required National Express West Midlands 6761 on a X7 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 6761 in Dudley bus station

We decided to do this bus so we got on 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 6761.

Inside NX West Midlands 6761

The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto Castle Street. We turned left onto The Broadway and left onto Ednam Road. We turned right onto Priory Road and we ran Northwards out of Dudley until we reached the A4123. As we travlled Northwards up the A4123 we saw Merry Hill Private Hire SN10 ANU and an ex Westbus coach YJ12 CKK. We ran to the edge of Wolverhampton and we went around a one way system past the Travel Express bus garage. We ran forwards onto Snow Hill and we turned right onto St Georges tram stop and the police station. We ran onto the roundabout and we turned left and joined the bus lane and into the bus station. We saw National Express West Midlands 4160 on the #11 to Underhill. Once we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. When Matthew had finished we looked for a bus we could catch. We spotted required iGo YJ67 FYN on a #57 to Bilston.

iGo YJ67 FYN in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the the nBus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out bus station on to the ring road and we turned right onto Wednesfield Road. We ran out of town and we past the church. We turned left onto Tudor Road and left onto Longford Road. We turned right onto Valley Road and we ran to the end before turning right onto Shawbury Road. We turned left onto Bushbury Road and right onto Thorneycroft Lane. We continued onto Prestwood Road and right onto Victoria Road. We turned left onto Graiseley Lane and we ran forwards onto Wednesfield High Street. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of iGo YJ67 FYN before it continued to Bilston.

iGo YJ67 FYN in Wednesfield

We crossed over the road and we visited the newsagents. Matthew brought a bottle of coke and e chocolate bar as well as a few jelly sweets. We went outside and Matthew ate the sweets. We saw National Express West Midlands 4155 on a #89 to Wolverhampton. When Matthew had finished eating we spotted required iGo 2107 on a #50 to Wolverhampton.

iGo 2107 in Wednesfield

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 onto High Street. We continued onto Lichfield Street and at the roundabout we followed Lichfield Street to the right. We turned lef onto Hyde Road and we turned right onto Moat House Lane East. We turned left onto Olinthus Avenue and left onto Linthouse Lane. We continued onto Lower Presthouse Road. We turned right onto D'eyncourt Road. We turned left onto Cannock Road and we ran in towards the town centre. We turned left onto Hilton Street and we ran forwards onto Culwell Street. We joined Wednesfield Road and we crossed over the ring road and we ran into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and we had a look around to see what we could catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 2972 on a #9 to Bridgenorth.

Arriva Midlands 2972 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to do required National Express West Midlands 4335 on a #11 to Underhill.

NX West Midlands 4335 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the nBus day ticket to the driver. The lower saloon was empty so Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4335.

Inside NX West Midlands 4335

We went upstairs and the rear of the top deck was empty too. Matthew took another picture inside National Express West Midlands 4335.

Inside NX West Midlands 4335

The bus went out of town North, passing nearby to the railway station. We turned left onto Broad Street right onto Stafford Street. As we joined Cannock Road we saw an unidentified Alfa coach, an unidentified Marshall's of Sutton tri-axle coach parked up in a car park near to the ring road. We crossed under the railway line and headed up Cannock Road. We ran Northwards for around a mile and a 1/2 and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of National Express West Midlands 4335 before it continued Northwards to Underhill.

NX West Midlands 4335 in The Scotlands

As we headed towards the crossing we saw Arriva Midlands 3741 on a #70 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3741 in The Scotlands

We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus towards Wolverhampton. A few minutes later we saw a National Express West Midlands 4358 on a #11 to Wolverhampton.

NX West Midlands 4358 in The Scotlands

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 Matthew took a picture inside National Express West Midlands 4358.

Inside NX West Midlands 4358

Once we got off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We came out of the toilet and we saw Travel De Courcey MD25 on a #210 service to Gatwick Airport.

Travel De Courcey MD25 in Wolverhampton bus station

A short while later we saw Arriva Midlands 3691 running out of service.

Arriva Midlands 3691 in Wolverhampton bus station

Across the way we saw required National Express West Midlands 4366 on a #79 to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4366 in Wolverhampton bus station

We got on and we flashed the nBus day tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs. We set off out of the bus station and onto Pipers Row. 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 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 4366 before it continued south to West Bromwich.

NX West Midlands 4366 in Bilston

We walked back along Hall Street to the interchange where we saw Banga Travel YF02 SKO.

Banga Travel YF02 SKO in Bilston

We walked around the other side of the interchange and we saw National Express West Midlands 1881 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1881 in Bilston interchange

A few minutes later we saw National Express West Midlands 855 on a #39 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 855 in Bilston interchange

A short time later we saw Rotala Diamond 21018 on a #23 to Wednesbury.

Rotala Diamond 21018 in Bilston interchange

We came out of the interchange and we walked onto Walsall Street and we met up with mum at the car. She had brought Greggs sausage rolls and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Walsall Street and we turned right onto the A41 and headed Southwards. We turned left onto the A463 and we ran fast to the A454. When we reached the A454 we carried on over the flyover and a couple of mile later we were on the Northbound M6. Seen on the M6 coming home were an unidentified Stagecoach Megabus (M11) and an unidentified Harris Coaches coach. We went North up to junction 15 and we came off onto A500. Seen on the A500 was blue minibus NL07 KFU. We ran North to the Sideway and then we went Eastwards along the A50. Seen on the A50 was Alfa 61. We came off the A50 at Longton to see what was parked up at Z Carz this evening. The spare ground was empty tonight. We turned left onto Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. We saw Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LFY parked up in the yard.

Z Carz HK57 LFY in Longton

We re-joined the A50 and we ran Westwards to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road and we ran down the hill into Blurton. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Avenue and back home at 19:30. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread bicuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.

Trip to Bilston / Wolverhampton 21-06-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
X657 WTN	Bilston interchange	Wolverhampton, Tower Street (Stop AX)	530	Banga Travel
P108 HCH	Wolverhampton, Tower Street (Stop AX)	Bilston interchange	545	Banga Travel
1672	Bilston interchange	Wolverhampton BS	25C	National Express West Midlands
J517 GCD	Wolverhampton BS	Underhill, adj Wildtree Avenue	11	Travel Express
NK51 MKE	Underhill, adj Wildtree Avenue	The Scotlands, opp Leason Lane	11	Travel Express
4001	The Scotlands, opp Leason Lane	Wolverhampton BS	11	National Express West Midlands
4021	Wolverhampton BS	Bilston interchange	25C	National Express West Midlands

Today we decided to visit Bilston. I gave Matthew a choice of Halifax or Bilston and he chose Bilston. Research consisted of checking on the Network West Midlands site for timetables and maps. We checked the weather and it was for sunny intervals. Matthew got up at around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off at around 11:45 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned onto Stanley Matthew Way and onto the A50. We went North on the A500 to Shelton New Road where we turned off to fill up with LPG. We headed back onto the A500 via the A53 and we headed South. When we got to Hanchurch we joined the Southbound M6. As we traveled towards Bilston we were passed by Trafalgar Travel T106 AUA. We carried on South through the roadworks and we came off the M6 at junction 10. We went west along the A454 and the onto the Westbound A463. We then turned onto the A41 and into town. After driving around we parked up on High Street and walked to the interchange. As we arrived we saw Banga Travel P108 HCH & Arriva Midlands 2238. We then saw National Express West Midlands 1671 parked up between duties on the #25A.

NX West Midlands 1671 in Bilston interchange

After taking a couple more picture Matthew visited the toilet and and we went into the bus station cafe. Matthew had a breakfast and a sausage sandwich washed down with a can of Coke. There were loads of buses coming and going whilst we ate. We saw Banga Travel Solo Y295 PDN working a #530 service. Just as we finished eating a Banga Travel Mercedes minibus appeared in the bus station. We said goodbye to mum and went out to see what it was. It turned out to be required Banga Travel X657 WTN.

Banga Travel X657 WTN in Bilston interchange

We got on the bus and we booked Network bus only tickets at £4.30. We sat down near to the back of the bus, and we left the bus station and we got onto the A463. We turned onto Millfield Road and we passed Banga Travel P102 HCH going the other way. We traveled through Ettingshall and then turned into a housing estate. We weaved our way through Streets until we joined Bilston Road on the outskirt of Wolverhampton. We crossed the ring road and turned into Tower Street. We waited for the bus to empty and then Matthew got a picture inside Banga Travel X657 WTN.

Inside Banga Travel X657 WTN

There was already another minibus at the stop. It was required Banga Travel P108 HCH on a #545 to Bilston. We crossed the road and got a picture of the bus.

Banga Travel P108 HCH in Wolverhampton

We also got another picture of Banga Travel X657 WTN.

Banga Travel X657 WTN in Wolverhampton

We crossed back over the road and we got on the #545. We showed the driver our Network bus tickets and as the bus was empty Matthew got a picture of the bus as we got on it.

Inside Banga Travel P108 HCH

We sat down and a couple of minutes later the bus set off out of town along Horseley Field and into Moseley. We passed Banga Travel W193 CDN coming the other way. We turned left into an housing estate and we joined onto Willenhall Road further East. We then headed South East along Moseley Road before turning South West for our run into Bilston. When we got into the interchange we got off and we walked around to the toilet. The toilet was occupied so we walked across to the toilets at the market. That one was occupied too, but he didn't have to wait too long before he could use it. Matthew set off the help alarm in the toilets because he couldn't find where to flush the toilet. Bizarrely I couldn't find the flush either! We walked back to the bus interchange and Matthew had a Galaxy Caramel and a can of Irn Bru. We took a few pictures whilst we worked out what we were going to do next. We saw National Express West Midlands Volvo B10 1431 on a #34 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 1431 in Bilston interchange

Many of the batch of that batch of P reg Volvo B10's have been withdrawn from service. We also saw Arriva Midlands 2226 on a #334 to walsall.

Arriva Midlands 2226 in Bilston interchange

We decided to walk around to the other side of the interchange to see what was about. Rotala Diamond 30204 was parked up between duties and we saw Arriva Midlands 2161 was on a #530 to Wolverhampton.

Arriva Midlands 2161 in Bilston interchange

Just then National Express West Midlands Mercedes single decker 1672 came in a #25C Wolverhampton - Bilston circular service.

NX West Midlands 1672 in Bilston interchange

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets. We sat down near the back and Matthew took a picture of the bus looking forwards as it was nearly empty. The bus set off In the same direction as the #530 had done previously, along the A463 and then right towards Ettingshall. We carried on going straight towards Parkfields and then we turned left to Goldthorn Park. finally we went through Blakenhall before going North into Wolverhampton. We passed through the town centre and past the Tram Station before we entered the bus station. The bus station consists of two separate adjacent ovals. If you took the centre island out of Bury interchange and place two of then side by side, that would be how I would describe Wolverhampton bus station. The bus pulled into one of the ovals, we noticed a bright orange step entranced Dart in the adjacent stand. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got another picture inside National Express West Midlands.

Inside NX West Midlands 1672

We got off the bus and walked straight over to the Dart. It was Travel Express J517 GCD on a #11 to Underhill. We thought it was about to pull off so we jumped on it an flashed the tickets. As we pulled out of the bus station we saw another Travel Express vehicle, SK51 AYD on a #32 Northwood Park circular.

Travel Express SK51 AYD in Wolverhampton bus station

The bus went out of town North, passing nearby to the railway station. Coming the other way was National Express West Midlands 4001 on a #11 service. We crossed under the railway line passing Arriva Midlands 3606 on the #70 and headed up Cannock Road. We crossed under the freight line and carried on North East until we turned into Chesterton Road. We went into the estate and when we got to the end of the run we got up and Matthew took a picture inside this former Stagecoach Dart.

Inside Travel Express J517 GCD

As we didn't manage to get a picture of the bus at the bus station we took a picture of the bus here in Underhill.

Travel Express J517 GCD in Underhill

After we had taken the picture we went into the local Costcutters shop and Matthew had a can of Coke and some chocolate. When we came out there were 2 buses around the corner waiting to work #11's. First in the queue was National Express West Midlands 1673.

NX West Midlands 1673 in Underhill

Right behind this was former Go North East and Big Lemon Dennis Dart, Ravel Express NK51 MKE.

Travel Express NK51 MKE in Underhill

I asked Matthew which of the buses he would like to catch and he chose to do the Travel Express Dart. We let the Mercedes single decker go and when the Travel Express bus came around the corner we got on an flashed our tickets. The bus was empty and Matthew got a picture inside NK51 MKE with its rainbow coloured seat moquette.

Inside Travel Express NK51 MKE

We sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus waited for a few minutes and as we pulled off we saw national Express West Midlands double decker 4001 pull up behind us. I asked Matthew if he wanted to get off en route and catch the double decker behind us and he said yes. I thought we would get off when we got onto Cannock Road so that we had had a reasonable run on the Dart before we got off. We came off the estate and a couple of stops down Cannock Road we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of Dart NK51 MKE as it headed off towards Wolverhampton.

Travel Express NK51 MKE in The Scotlands

We didn't have to wait long before we saw a double decker approaching from the North. As expected it was required national Express West Midlands 4001.

NX West Midlands 4001 in The Scotlands

We got on the bus and we went upstairs. As it was empty Matthew got a picture inside of 4001 before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 4001

The bus set off down Cannock Road and we crossed under both railway lines. We passed nearby to the railway line and we went onto the ring road we got 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 went into the bus station and got off the bus. We decided to go and visit the toilets and when we had finished we had a walk around the bus station. Leaving the station on the ring road was National Express West Midlands 4001 on it's next #11 turn.

NX West Midlands 4001 in Wolverhampton

We walked into the centre isle of the bus station and Matthew took a picture of National Express West Midlands 638 which was on the #82 service.

NX West Midlands 638 in Wolverhampton bus station

We walked to the street side of the bus station and we saw and Matthew got a picture of National Express West Midlands 4600 on the #529 service to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4600 in Wolverhampton bus station

We thought we might be able to get a few better picture from off the road outside the bus station. parked up between duties was National Express West Midlands 4006.

NX West Midlands 4006 in Wolverhampton bus station

We waled up to the exit of the bus station just in time to see Arriva Midlands 4801 leaving to bus station on the #10A to Pattingham.

Arriva Midlands 4801 in Wolverhampton bus station

We walked a bit further towards the ring road and we saw National Express West Midlands 4606 on a #529 to Walsall.

NX West Midlands 4606 in Wolverhampton bus station

We decided to give Matthew a little bit of a break from the buses so we took him to the Co-op store to do some shopping. Matthew brought a can of Coke and a Kinder egg, He said hello to the lday behind the counter and then we headed back into the bus station to go and catch something towards Bilston. As as walked in we saw Arriva Midlands 2563 arriving on the #63 from Bradmore.

Arriva Midlands 2563 in Wolverhampton bus station

We walked up to the top of the bus station where National Express West Midlands 4021 was waiting to work the next 25C to Bilston. In front of this was Arriva Midlands 2563 which was now about to leave on a #64 to Wakeley Hill. There was no driver in 4021 so we decided to walk down the bus station. Matthew was able to get a reasonable picture of National Express West Midlands 4021 from behind through the glass.

NX West Midlands 4021 in Wolverhampton bus station

We saw a driver heading towards the bus so we decided to walk back up to the bus. It was the driver and everybody started to get on the bus. We flashed our tickets at driver and we got on the bus and went upstairs. The bus was empty behind us so Matthew got a picture before we sat down.

Inside NX West Midlands 4021

The bus set off and we headed North like we were on a #11 but we did not turn onto Cannock Road. We carried on North through Oxley and onto the i54 industrial estate. The bus then headed back South and crossed the Cannock Road before heading into Wednesfield. What we didn't realise when we decided to catch the bus was the journey time was going to be just over an hour! We then went into Willenhall and across the A454. We got back into Bilston just over an hour after we left Wolverhampton at around 17:45...

NX West Midlands 4021 in Bilston interchange

When we got back Matthew visited the toilet in the bus station and then we took a couple of bus pictures in the interchange. We than saw National Express West Midlands 673 on a #34 service. We also saw National Express West Midlands 586 on a #82 to Dudley.

NX West Midlands 586 in Bilston interchange

Just before left we saw Banga Travel P102 HCH quickly arrive and depart again, presumably the last working of the day. We walked over to the car which mum had brought around to us. Here Matthew had a Wrights Pie sausage roll and a large can of Irn Bru. We set off back onto the A41 and then left onto the A463. When we reached the A454 we carriedon over the flyover onto the A454. A couple of mile later we were on the Northbound M6. As we went North we saw North Birmingham Travel P210 RUM, When we got to junction 15 we passing Marcus Lewis RYL 1 headed North on the A500 and then onto the A50. We went into Longton to check out what was on Z Carz. There were 5 vehicles on the spare ground today. First there was Scania coach D104 XAN.

Z Carz D104 XAN in Longton

Next to that was former alton Towers Transport M534 RSO.

Z Carz M534 RSO in Longton

At the back of the ground was VW minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

There were 2 other minibuses parked up. Mercedes BV51 BNO was parked in front of Airport Transport bus DL03 HHU.

Z Carz BV51 BNO in Longton

We turned left onto Willow Row and we saw MJ03 DPU in the compound along with long term SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX & T2 DLT. We headed back onto the A50 and we came off at Heron Cross passing Lightning Travels apparent new bus SL52 CXD and through Blurton. We got home at 18:50. For a late tea we had bangers and mash followed by a piece of Victoria Sponge. He wasn't very chilled out, but he used his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark