Trip to Widnes / Runcorn 06-01-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
3140	Widnes, Green Oaks	Runcorn BS	82A	Arriva NW&W
H6 KFC	Runcorn BS	Halton Lea North	62	Omega Busways
3046	Halton Lea South	Runcorn BS	79C	Arriva NW&W
2674	Runcorn BS	Murdishaw	110	Arriva NW&W
3137	Murdishaw	Halton Lea, Hospital	2	Arriva NW&W
2938	Halton Lea, Hospital	Widnes, Green Oaks	61	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Widnes. It's the middle of winter and we needed to go somewhere it's easy to park and easy to get something to eat. No research was done other than to check the weather, which was for cold weather, starting off foggy with sunny intervals later on. Matthew got up around 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set up my new phone with enough software to get by and we set off just before 12:00. We set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive. At this point it was quite foggy. We turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral betting shop. 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. The fog had almost cleared and we could see sunshine. We ran into Cheshire and up to the Motoway junction. The fog returned for a short while and we joined the Northbound M6. The fog cleared again and we noticed the Southbound side of the road was clear. There was a large queue to get off at junction 17. As we travelled Northwards we saw grey minibus YJ12 EJU, Selwyns (NX) BV23 ZVA (#121) / BV23 ZWC (#171) & Megabus 54603. We came off the M6 at junction 21A and we headed Eastwards towards Liverpool. Seen on the M62 was an unidentified ALS coach. We came off the M62 at junction and we headed Southwards down the A557. We turned right and ran past Aldi and towards the Green Oaks Shopping Centre. We went past the bus station and we parked up in the car park. As we walked out of the car park we saw Arriva NW&W 3040 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3040 in Widnes

Afterwards we went into the Market and we headed to the cafe at the back end. Matthew went to the toilet and mum ordered the food. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we said goodbye to mum and we stopped at the sweet store to get some mint chews. We headed out of the market to the bus station. As we got to the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 3213 on a #17 to Chain Lane.

Arriva NW&W 3213 in Widnes

We waited for a bus towards Runcorn. A short time latter we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3032 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3032 in Widnes

It was at this point that I realised that I had left my wallet at home. I called mum and we went to meet her. I borrowed some money off her and we headed back to the bus station. When we got back we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5673 on a #26A Cronton Circular.

Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5673 in Widnes

A few minutes later we saw another Runcorn bound bus. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3140 on a #82A to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we brought Arriva LCR+ Daysaver tickets at £4.90 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. These bus tickets are valid on Arriva buses all over Merseyside and in Halton, Warrington and Wigan. The bus set off onto Green Oaks Way and we turned right onto Gerrards Street. We ran forwards onto Milton Road and we turned left onto the B5419. We went near to the site where are currently developing a new leisure centre on Moor Lane. We went through the old town and across the roundabout onto Victoria Road. We turned right onto Hutchinson Road and we joined the the A533. We crossed over the Jubilee Bridge. We crossed the bridge into Runcorn and we wheeled around onto Station Road and into the old town. We crossed over the canal and past 'The Archers' pub and onto the High Street and the former NatWest bank. We turned into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 3140 before it carried on towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3140 in Runcorn bus station

Once off the bus we saw Anthony's Travel DB07 ANT go through the bus station.

Anthony's Travel DB07 ANT in Runcorn bus station

Matthew wanted to go into town so we went around the corner onto Church Street. Matthew was looking for sometuhng and it didn't take him long to find it! We spotted Little Dessert Shop across the road and we went in. Matthew had a slice of red velvet cheesecake with a small tub of ice cream. We sat in the shop and Matthew ate his dessert. When we had finished we walked along Church Stree and back to the bus station. At the other end of the bus station was a grey Plaxton Centro. As we got closer we saw it was Omega Busways H6 KFC on a #62 to Warrington.

Omega Busways H6 KFC in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we booked singles to Halton Lea before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of th bus station and we turned right. We ran up Leiria Way and we joined the A533 we turned left onto a slip road and onto the B5155. We turned right onto Halton Road and right onto Picton Avenue. We turned left onto Latham Avenue and right onto Boston Avenue. We turned left onto Festival Way and we ran forwards onto Grangeway. Near to the railway line we joined the busway and we ran past Halton Lodge. We continued around the busway and we ran though Halton Lea shopping centre where we got up and got off the bus. After taking a few bus pictures we set off to go into the shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre and we went to the toilets. After we had used the toilets we headed over to the South side of the shopping centre where the Runcorn bound buses stop. A few minutes later we saw Stagecoach Merseyside 27925 on a #2 to Chester.

Stagecoach Merseyside 27925 in Halton Lea

A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 3046 on a #79C to Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 3046 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the LCR+ day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We sat down towards the back of the bus and we set off along the Busway. We carried on West over Grangeway and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran forwards onto Moughland Lane and we turned right onto Greenway Road. We ran into ton and we turned left onto Runcorn Station Link Road. We ran past the station and we ran forwards onto Waterloo Bridge. We turned right onto High Street and into Runcorn town centre. We arrived in the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw Ashcroft's Travel HIG 5674 on a #52 Beechwood circular. We walked across the The Ferry Boat and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we went to the bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. We finished out drink and we went outside. We crossed the road and we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2674 on a #110 to Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 2674 in Runcorn bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva Merseyside Plus day ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and onto Church Street. We ran forwards onto Leiria Way and at the first roundabout we ran forwards onto the busway. We ran the industrial areas around Astmoor and under the Mersey Gateway bridge. We joined Castlefield Avenue East and we got onto the busway at the corner of Tyrrel Way by the McColls Store. We ran through the Castlefields area and we stopped at the library side of the Halton Lea North close to the library. We decided to go a bit further East to Murdishaw. We ran past the hospital and we discovered the run up to Murdishaw was entirely along the busway. We traveled East for about a mile and the busway opened out at a turning circle and we guessed we had reached the end of the run. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 2674 before it returned to Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2674 in Murdishaw

Once off the bus we went to the Co-op and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru and a can of Coke. He also a Galaxy Caramel bar. We paid for the shopping and we went outide. Matthew had the can of Coke and we went up on the footbridge to look at the bus on layover. We came back down off the footbridge and we saw a bus approaching. We saw it was Arriva NW&W 3137 on a #2 busway circular service.

Arriva NW&W 3137 in Murdishaw

We got on the bus and we placed the LCR+ day tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the busway and over the railway line. We ran past Runcorn East railway station and we headed Northwards. We head West along the busway we ran through the Castlefields area. we continued around past the Brow and down to the North side of Halton Lea. After a brief stop we ran to the East of Shopping City and we got on the busway back towards Murdishaw. We stopped by the hospital and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of Arriva NW&W 3137 as it headed back towards Murdishaw.

Arriva NW&W 3137 in Halton Lea

We crossed over the busway and we waited for a bus back towards Widnes. There was a bus on layover by the turning circle and it looked like it was going to be something we could catch. The bus set off from the layover area and as it got closer we saw it was Arriva NW&W 2938 on a #61 to Queens Square.

Arriva NW&W 2938 in Halton Lea

We got on the bus and we placed the Arriva Merseyside Plus day ticket under the scanner for the final time today. The bus was empty, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2938 before we sat down towards the back of the bus.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2938

We set off down the busway and we stopped briefly at Halton Lea South to pick up passengers. We carried on West over Grangeway and we turned right onto Clifton Road. We ran forwards onto Moughland Lane and we turned right onto Greenway Road. We ran into ton and we turned left onto Runcorn Station Link Road. We ran past the station and we ran forwards onto Waterloo Bridge. We turned right onto High Street and into Runcorn town centre. We arrived in the bus station and after a brief stop we continued along the High Street. We ran forwards onto the A533 and we crossed over the Riover Mersey on the Silver Jubilee Bridge. We came off the A533 and onto Waterloo Road. We run forwards onto Victoria Road and forwards onto the B5419. We turned right into Vicorage Road and left onto Widnes Road. We run forwards onto Brynn Street and we go around the Asda car park and petrol station and onto Gerrard Street. We continued onto Green Oaks Way and we turn left into the bus station where we get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew gets another picure of Arriva NW&W 2938 before it continues to Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 2938 in Widnes

Uncle Dave went back towards the car with the bag and Matthew and I went to Morrisons. Matthew used the toilet and we looked for a drink to buy from th fridge but there was nothing Matthew liked so we left. We went back to the car and met up with mum and uncle Dave. We returned to the car and we set off out of Morrisons onto Green Oaks Way. We did a u-turn at the roundabout and we headed Southwards onto Lugsdale Road. We stopped at the chip shop and we got Matthew had a small sausages chips and gravy. We turned around in Major Cross Street and we parked up on Lugsdale Street. Matthew ate his sausage, chips and gravy washed down with a bottle of Irn Bru. When I had finished eating we set off onto Ashley Way and we joined the Northbound A557. We headed Northwards up to the motorway. We travelled North for around 3 mile before we turned right onto the Eastbound M62. At junction 10 we got onto the Southbound M6 and we headed Southwards through Cheshire. On the M6 we saw taxi minibus SF15 EEM / SJ12 UUK and an unidentified Ashcroft coach. At junction 16 we went South down the A500 through 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. He also had some of uncle Rob's Irn Bru. We updated uncle daves calendar to show recent activity. Once we had dropped off uncle Dave we set off onto Wheildon Road. 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 20:00. 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 Leicester / Thurmaston 28-03-2020

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2528	Leicester Haymarket BS	Thurmaston, Asda	6	Arriva Midlands
2938	Thurmaston, Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	6	Arriva Midlands
28629	Leicester Haymarket BS	Oadby, Opp Waitrose	X7	Stagecoach Midlands
4502	Oadby, Opp Asda	Leicester Haymarket BS	X3	Arriva Midlands
63379	Leicester Haymarket BS	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	26	First Leicester
32646	Beaumont Centre, (Stand G)	Leicester Haymarket BS	26	First Leicester

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was going to Leicester. We hope that this bus was going to be First South Yorkshire 63379 which is currently on loan to Leicester. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast for breakfast. before Matthew went to the day centre he watched buses out of the window. whilst waiting for the time to go to the day centre, we saw Temple Street Church minibus RX18 GZW.

Temple Street Church RX18 GZW in Fenton

Matthew chilled out in his room before going out. We saw First Potteries 67665 on a #11 to Newcastle.

First Potteries 67665 in Fenton

Also seen was First Potteries 67152 on a #23 to Hanley.

First Potteries 67152 in Fenton

When it was time to go out We went downstairs and we got in the car. We set off onto Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We crossed City Road onto Manor Street and we ran to the end where we turned left onto Victoria Road to Joiners Square and we turned left onto Warrington Road. We turned left onto the A52. we ran towards Stoke. We ran forwards onto Glebe Street and we followed the one-way system onto Church Street. We crossed over the A500 and we got onto the Southbound A500. We ran Southwards to Sideway and we got onto the Eastbound A50. We ran Eastwards for around 40 miles and we got onto the Southbound M1. junction and we ran the final 8 miles or so into Leicester. On the edge of town we turned left onto Blackbird Road and right onto Ravensbridge Drive. We joined St Margaret's Way and we turned left onto Burleys Way. As we passed the bus station we saw Kinch Bus 649 on a #2 to Loughborough. We turned right onto Abbey Street and left into Gardens Street. We went into the Abbey Street car park and we found a space and parked up. Once we had parked we went down to the ground floor and onto Abbey Street. We turned right onto Belgrave Gate and we crossed over the road. We walked into the bus station and we saw Stagecoach Midlands 26225 on a #48 to Coventry. Once in the bus station we headed to the facilities and Matthew used the toilet. Mum queued up at the food counter by Holland Park Amusements and Matthew took a few bus pictures. We saw First Leicester 66841 on a #18 to Bruanstone. Once the food was ready we took it in to the bus station and sat down to eat it. Matthew had a bacon and sausage bap washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we looked for a bus to catch. We saw Arriva Midlands 2528 on a #6 to Thurmaston. We got on the bus and we brought Flexi multi-operator tickets at £5.20 each before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We ran Northwards along the golden mile which still had most of the lights still in place from Diwali. We ran Northwards for a couple of miles and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto Silverdale Drive and we followed the road to the right. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Beacon Avenue. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we followed the road around. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and left onto Highway Road. We turned left onto Barkby Thorpe Lane and we got up and got off the bus outside the Thurmaston shopping centre. Once off the bus Matthew expressed a wish to visit a toilet. There was a nearby Marks & Spencers foodhall so we visited there. After Matthew had been the toilet we brought some caterpillar sweets which had been reduced as they were for Halloween and a bottle of Coke. After we had paid for the good we returned to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The bus does a u-turn at the roundabout and afterwards stops on the opposite side of the road from where we got off. Whilst we waited for the next bus Matthew ate a few of the caterpillars. We saw a bus approaching and we saw it was required Arriva Midlands 2938 a #6 to Leicester Haymarket. We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Barkby Thorpe Lane and we turned right onto Highway Road. We turned right onto Charnwood Avenue and we followed it around to the end. We turned left onto Sandiacre Drive and we headed Southwards. At the end of Sandiacre Drive we turned right onto Beacon Avenue. We turned right onto Church Hill Road and left onto Silverdale Drive. We followed the road Southwards and we turned right onto Humberstone Lane. We turned left onto the A607 and we headed Southwards through the Golden Mile. We crossed over the roundabout under the flyover and we ran down Belgrave Gate and into the bus station. Once we got off the bus we had a walk around and we looked to see what else we might catch. We saw First Leicester 66805 on a #38A to Thurnby Lodge. A few minutes later we saw required Stagecoach Midlands 28629 on a X7 to Market Harborough. We decided to do this bus so we got on the bus and we placed the Flexi day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station and we turned sharp right onto Charles Street and we headed South Eastwards. We joined the Southbound A594 and we went past the railway station on the the A6. AS we travelled down the A6 out of town for a further 2 1/2 miles and the bus stopped on the A6 opposite to Waitrose. We got up and got off the bus. We crossed over the road and we noticed a sign to say that Waitrose. We looked at the bus stop and the next X3 wasn't due for another 25 minutes. We decided to walk into Oadby to see if we could possibly catch another bus. As we walked away from the stop we saw Centrebus 315 on a #40 circular service. We walked down the B582 and we turned right onto The Parade. we turned right Wigston Road and Brabazon Road. We continued along The Parade through the festivities and we stopped at the Post Office. Matthew had a can of Coke and a couple of chocolate bars. When we had paid foe everything we continued along the Parade until we reached the A6. Ww decided to wait for the X3 which was now due in a few minutes time we looked on the bustime.org live bus map and we could see a bus approaching. The bus appeared a few minutes and as expected it was Arriva Midlands 4502 on a X3 to Leicester St Margarets. We got on the bus and we placed Flexi multi-operator tickets under the scanner before we went upstairs. we set off Northwards up the A6. We ran through the leafy suburbs of Leicester and we ran past the railway station. We ran forwards onto Charles street We saw First Leicester 69303 on a #88 to Eyres Monsell. We stopped in the street outside the Haymarket Bus Station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked into the bus station and we met up with mum. We told her we were doing one more quick round trip. We spotted required First Leicester 63379 on a #26 to the Beaumont centre. We got on the bus and we placed the flexi tickets under the scanner. we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off out of the bus station onto Belgrave Gate and we went under the flyover onto the A607. We turned left onto Abbey Park Road. We ran forwards on to Blackbird we turned right onto Parker Drive. We turned left onto Somerset Drive and we headed Westwards. We turned left onto Cheltenham Road and left onto Heacham Drive. After a long run through the estate we ran forwards onto Strasbourg Drive. We crossed the A563 and we ran forwards onto Orwell Drive. At the roundabout we turned right onto Rutherford Rood an we stopped at the Beaumont Centre where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked to the local pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to meet up with uncle Dave. Matthew expressed a wish to catch a #25 back to Leicester. Whilst we waited we saw First Leicester 66965 on a #74 to Leicester. As we waited we spotted First Leicester double decker 32646 on a #26 to Leicester. We decided to do the double decker so we legged it over to the other stop. We got on the bus and we flashed the Flexi Day tickets to the driver for the final time today before going upstairs. The bus set off along Rutherford Road and we turned left onto Beaumont Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Benion Road. We turned left onto Astill Lodge Road and we ran through the Beaumont estate. We re-joined Benion Road and we turned right onto Knights Road. We turned left onto Madeline Road and we ran past the back of the Walkers Crisps factory. We turned right onto Beaumont Leys Road and we ran Southwards. We turned left onto Belmont Boulevards and left onto Holderness Road. We ran forwards onto Border Drive and we turned left onto Red Hill Way. At the roundabout we turned right onto Halifax Road and we turned left onto Thurcaston Road. We crossed over the A6 and we continued along Thurcaston Road. We ran into Belgrave and we stopped at the lights. We turned right onto Loughborough Road and we headed Southward towards the Golden Mile. We turned right onto the A607 and we headed into the city centre. At the roundabout we went under the flyover and forwards onto Belgrave Gate. We entered the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we took few more pictures before we returned to the car. We saw First Leicester 35182 on a #54 to the Beaumont Centre. We crossed over Belgrave Gate and we crossed over Abbey Street. We went into the entrance of the car park and we paid for the parking. We got the lift up to the appropriate floor and we got in the car. Mum had brought sausage rolls and Matthew had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of the bus station onto Garden Street and we turned right onto Abbey Street. We turned left onto Burley Way and we turned right onto St Margaret's Way. We turned left onto Ravensbridge Drive and we turned left onto Blackbird Road. We turned right onto the A50 and we ran out of the city. We crossed the A46 and we continued Northwards towards the motorway. We joined the Northbound M1 at junction 22 and we travelled up to junction 23A. We came off onto the Westbound A50 and we travelled back through. As we headed West. As we came through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross and we turned right onto Blurton Road. We ran through Heron Cross onto Heron Street and we followed the road around onto Station Bridge Road. We turned left onto Christchurch street and left again onto Masterson Street. We turned right onto Watkin Street and right onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. For a late tea Matthew had a chicken burger from KFC. He also had some fries and a cup of Coke. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to Lichfield / Rugeley 21-02-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2937	Lichfield BS	Rugeley BS	X25	Arriva Midlands
2938	Rugeley BS	Lichfield BS	X25	Arriva Midlands
3732	Lichfield BS	Lichfield, Opp Cornfield Drive	29	Arriva Midlands
3732	Lichfield, Opp Cornfield Drive	Lichfield BS	29	Arriva Midlands
3808	Lichfield BS	Burntwood, Opp Victory Avenue	X60	Arriva Midlands
2277	Burntwood, Adj Victory Avenue	Lichfield BS	15	Arriva Midlands
3735	Lichfield BS	Pipehill, Opp Hollybank Cottage	35	Arriva Midlands
3809	Pipehill, Adj Pipe Marsh	Burntwood, Opp Victory Avenue	X60	Arriva Midlands
3808	Burntwood, Adj Victory Avenue	Lichfield BS	X60	Arriva Midlands

Today we decided to re-visit Lichfield. The weather was poor and it appeared to be better to the South. We gave Matthew a list of place to go and from these places he chose Lichfield. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We didn't do any research for this trip other than to re-check the weather that predicted mainly dry but cloudy weather. We set off around 11:30 and we went onto the A5035. We carried on into Trentham and when we reached the A34 we turned left to head South. As we passed nearby to Stone we saw Bennetts Solo V281 DRC on the #4 service. We carried on South past the town and we went East on the A51. At Weston traffic lights we saw Happy Days coaches 226 going the other way. We carried on East past the edge of Rugeley and we did the last few miles into town before we stopped at the chips shop on the A51 right by the City Line. Matthew had Chips sausage and gravy and a can of Coke an we headed back to the car. We rove across the road to the car park behind the bus station and we ate the food. Once we had finished we use the toilets in the bus station before we said goodbye to mum. We decided to have a quick walk around and take a few pictures before we caught the first bus of the day. On it's usual service was X55 branded Central Buses Enviro200 bus, YX63 ZXL.

Central Buses YX63 ZXL in Lichfield bus station

We walked through the bus station taking picture of the buses in the row. We then saw dud Arriva Midlands 3797 on a X60 service to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3797 in Lichfield bus station

On the X60 to Tamworth was required Arriva Midlands 3807.

Arriva Midlands 3807 in Lichfield bus station

This bus was recently transferred from Arivva North West & Wales and used to carry the number 3064. There were 2 coaches parked up at the end of the bus station. The back on of the pair was National Holidays Setra coach NH10 SSH.

National Holidays NH10 SSH in Lichfield bus station

The front one of the two was A1 Link Travel Mercedes mini coach V139 BAN.

A1 Link Travel V139 BAN in Lichfield bus station

We walked back into the main part of the bus station and we saw an Arriva Midlands Versa approaching. It was required Arriva Midlands 2937 on the X25 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 2937 in Lichfield bus station

We decided to do this to Rugeley. We got on the bus and as it was empty Matthew got a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2937.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2937

We booked Arriva Midlands Day Saver tickets at £6.20 each. We sat down towards the back of the bus and when it was time the bus set off out of town and up Beacon Street. We joined the A51 to the West of town and we went non-stop up to the edge of Rugeley, entering town own Brereton Hill. The bus turned into the bus station and we got off. We decided to take a few pictures before we went into the market. On a local service was required Arriva Midlands 3701.

Arriva Midlands 3701 in Rugeley bus station

Matthew took another picture of our ride into town, Arriva Midlands 2937.

Arriva Midlands 2937 in Rugeley bus station

We then saw dud Arriva Midlands 3719 on a #24 service to Brereton.

Arriva Midlands 3719 in Rugeley bus station

Something that we have never seen before was the Tesco free bus. Working this service today was dud Arriva Midlands 2315.

Arriva Midlands 2315 in Rugeley bus station

We headed into the market and we brought some spearmint chews and a can of Coke and a can of orange Tango. This cost a very reasonable £1.47. We walked back out of the bus station and walked to the top stop to see when the next service to Lichfield was due. There was an X25 due at 14:51. In the meantime, we saw dud Arriva Midlands 2328 on a #23 to Pear Tree. Which had worked in on a #26 from Springfields.

Arriva Midlands 2328 in Rugeley bus station

A few minutes later we saw another Arriva Midlands Versa approaching... As it got closer we saw that it was required Arriva Midlands 2938 on the X25 to Lichfield.

Arriva Midlands 2938 in Rugeley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Midlands Day Saver tickets before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town up Brereton Hill before we joined the A51. We carried on Eastwards and just outside of Lichfield we brifly joined the A512 before entering town own Stafford Road / Beacon Street. When we got to the bus station we got up and got off. We then saw dud Central Buses YJ59 PKC about to work the #35 to Walsall.

Central Buses YJ59 PKC in Lichfield bus station

This is a bus that we had on this service back in December 2014 when we came to Lichfield for the Heritage running day. On Arriva's competing #35 service we saw required Arriva Midlands 3732 come into the bus station.

Arriva Midlands 3732 in Lichfield bus station

It was now going on to a #29 local service, something which we had not seen happen before. This is probably because we hadn't been in the bus station at this minute in the hour before. We decided to catch this bus and do a round trip on it. We got on the bus an we asked how long it took to do a round trip, an the river told us it was around 15 minutes. We flashed the ticket to the river and before we sat down Matthew photographed the empty rear of the bus.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3732

The bus set off through the bus station passing Arriva Midlands 3773 which was on the #7 to Burton-on-Trent. We left the bus station and went Northwards. We turned to the East and we crossed over the Lichfield to Burton-on-Trent line before joining Roman Way. We turned left at Austin Cote Way and at the end of the road we did a 180' turn on the roundabout and we returned to the bus station back along the same roads as we came. We got off the bus an Matthew had a moment where he wanted to say hello to someone. He did managed to say hello but he was a bit excitable so we had to hold him back for a few minutes so he could calm down. We had a look around to see what we could catch. We ha missed Arriva Midlands 2277 on the #15 so we thought that the next bus we could do was an X60 towards Burntwood & Cannock. A few minutes later required Arriva Midlands 3808 made an appearance on the X60 to Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus an we flashed the tickets to the river before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The X60 goes west out of town before passing the new Waitrose store. We headed North up Limburg Avenue and then we turned left onto the A461. As we approached Pipehill we turned right onto the A5190 to head towards Burntwood. We carried on westwards through Edial and into Burntwood Green before we turned left onto Chase Road. In Chasetown we turned right around the tight corner into High Street. At the top of High Street we turned right onto the A5190 before going left Bridge Cross Road. We turned right at Rugeley Road and we got off the bus. Opposite us was required Arriva Midlands 2277 on the Lichfield bound #15 service. Matthew took a picture of Arriva Midlands 3808 before it set off towards Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Burntwood

We decided that we were going to trying and get on Arriva Midlands 2277. Matthew took a picture of it before we crossed over the road to get on the bus.

Arriva Midlands 2277 in Burntwood

We got on the bus an we flashed the ticket to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus an the bus turned left onto Bridge Cross Road. We carried on straight and into the estate, crossing over Chase Road and carrying on in South Westerly direction. We turned onto Coppy Nook lane an we headed into the village of Hammerwich. We passe through the village and we headed north onto the A5190. We headed through Edial and we joined the A461 at Pipehill. We headed into town along the more direct route not taken by the X60, down Walsall Road. As we came into town we passed a Dart on the #62 to Cannock which was probably Arriva Midlands 2378 which we had seen earlier in the day. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Arriva Midlands 2277.

Inside Arriva Midlands 2277

We got back to the bus station and we realised the #35 to Walsall was due. It was required Arriva Midlands 3735.

Arriva Midlands 3735 in Lichfield bus station

We got on the bus and we sat down near to the back. We decided to do the bus to Pipehill and then we could catch something else from off the main road. As we left town Matthew took a picture of the empty seats opposite us.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3735

We left town along Walsall Road and we joined the A461. At the Pipehill junction the bus went left and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3735 as it carried on towards Walsall.

Arriva Midlands 3735 in Pipehill

As we left the bus station at 15:41 an there was also an 15:45 X60 we decided to go to the main road to catch the X60 towards Burntwood. As we got to the roundabout I thought I saw the bus approaching... So I decide to run to the bus stop on the main road. Matthew and uncle Dave followed behind. I flagged the bus down and Matthew an uncle Dave caught up with the bus, which was required Arriva Midlands 3809.

Arriva Midlands 3809 in Pipehill

We flashed the tickets an we sat own towards the back of the bus. The bus carried on along the A5190 and we headed into Burntwood Green before turning west towards Chasetown. Matthew took a picture of the empty seats behind us.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3809

We turned right into the High Street an then right at the top onto the A5190 before going left onto Bridge Cross Road. We turned right into Rugeley Road and we got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Arriva Midlands 3809 before it carried on towards Cannock.

Arriva Midlands 3809 in Burntwood

We decided to have a short break from the buses. We went into Sankeys Fish bar and we had a portion of chips an a jumbo sausage between us. Matthew had some chips and the sausage. We also shared 2 cans of pop. We saw there were people at the stop opposite so we crossed the road to wait for the bus. it was 16:18 an then bus was due three minutes ago. We waited for quite a while and a lady stopped her car and explained that the bus was stuck on the other side of a police roadblock, who were attending some kind of incident. The bus did eventually turned up at 16:30! It was dud Arriva Midlands 3808 for the second time today.

Arriva Midlands 3808 in Burntwood

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets for the final time today before sitting own near to the back of the bus. We returned back to Lichfield through Chasetown and Burntwood Green rejoining the Eastbound A5190. We passe through Edial and we went down Pipehill into the edge of town. we went South past Waitrose before going East along Sainte Foy Avenue. We went into the bus station for the final time and we waited for the bus to empty so that Matthew could get a picture inside Arriva Midlands 3808.

Inside Arriva Midlands 3808

Before we left we decided to have one last walk around the bus station taking some picture before we went home. We saw dud Arriva Midlands 3505 on the #785 to Shuttington.

Arriva Midlands 3505 in Lichfield bus station

We then saw Arriva Midlands 3763 on the #825 to Stafford.

Arriva Midlands 3763 in Lichfield bus station

One one of the town circulars was Rotala Diamond 20893.

Rotala Diamond 20893 in Lichfield bus station

On the #66 to Burntwood was required Central Buses AE06 ZBT.

Central Buses AE06 ZBT in Lichfield bus station

We headed back to the car and mum as waiting with Greggs sausage rolls and small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off out of town and onto the westbound A51. We skirted the North of Rugeley and carried on along the A51 to the A34. Just to the West of Stone we stopped at the Shell garage to take on diesel. We carried on North to Trentham and we joined the Eastbound A5035 and we headed up to Longton. On the spare ground there were two buses. The first bus in the line up was Volkwagen minibus OV05 WSW.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

Also on the spare ground was Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We turned into willow Row to see what was inside the compound. Closest to the gate was Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

Opposite the compound parked on the road was Z Carz taxi minibus YJ61 GYZ.

Z Carz YJ61 GYZ in Longton

We headed onto the A50 and we came off the road at Heron Cross and we turned onto Blurton Road. We went through Blurton and we got home around 18:00. For a late tea we had sausage mash and carrots follow by a iced doughnut. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30...Mark