Trip to Accrington / Blackburn 22-11-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
265	Accrington, Bus Station (Stand H)	Blackburn temporary BS	6	Transdev Lancashire United
2760	Blackburn temporary BS	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), opp Woodlands Avenue	152	Transdev Lancashire United
2757	Cherry Tree (Blackburn), adj Woodlands Avenue	Blackburn temporary BS	152	Transdev Lancashire United
N349 AVV	Blackburn temporary BS	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	D12	Darwen Coach Services
N349 AVV	Blackburn (Blackburn), by Morecambe Road	Blackburn temporary BS	D12	Darwen Coach Services
1096	Blackburn temporary BS	Moorgate (Blackburn), by Baden Terrace	24	Transdev Lancashire United
1303	Hollin Bank (Blackburn), adj Hollin Bridge St	Blackburn temporary BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Accrington. The weather had been forecast for mild dry weather throughout the North. We gave Matthew a list of place to go to, and out of the places list he chose Accrington. We did no further research for this trip other than to re-check the weather. Matthew got up a little after 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off just a little before 12:00 heading onto the A5035 before turning into Stanley Matthews Way. We went West on the A50 and then North on the A500. Once on the A500 we carried on North up to the M6. On the M6 the traffic was surprising light for the time of year. We made good time up to the M56 and over Thelwall viaduct. As we approached the M62 we caught up with classic AEC single decker Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548.

Grand Edwardian Touring FV 4548 on the M6

We went East on the M62, and then we joined the clockwise M60. We came off the M60 at Prestwich so that we could fill up with diesel at Tesco. We then returned onto the Clockwise M60 before turning onto the Northbound M66. North of Ramsbottom the M66 became the A56 and we carried on past Haslingden before doing the last few miles into Accrington along the A680. We turned into the car park off Abbey Street but it was full, so we headed back onto Abbey Street and we saw a space on the street. We also spotted a chip shop cafe where we could have dinner. As we got out of the car to go eat, we saw required Rossendale Easyride 203 on the #484 to Bury.

Rossendale Easyride 203 in Accrington

We then saw South Ribble minibus RV05 PVZ parked in the street opposite.

South Ribble RV05 PVZ in Accrington

We went into the cafe and Matthew went upstairs to use the toilet. For dinner Matthew had sausage chips and gravy with bread and butter washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we went to the front of the chip shop to pay. Matthew added a small bottle of Coke to the bill and then we said goodbye to mum. We walked towards Peel Street along Infant Street. We saw Transdev Burnley & Pendle 715 on the #9 to Burnley.

'Starship' 715 in Accrington

There were a couple of Darts on Bridge Street so we decided to check them out. At the other end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus VU52 UEJ, which quickly departed. At the near end of the street was dud Pilkington Bus P729 RYL.

Pilkington Bus P729 RYL in Bridge Street Accrington

Whilst we were in Bridge Street we saw dud M&M Coaches N129 YRM arrive to work one of the local service.

M&M Coaches N129 YRM in Bridge Street Accrington

We then walked down to Peel Street. We then saw M&M Coaches L310 YDU on the #46 to Blackburn.

M&M Coaches L310 YDU in Accrington bus station

We decided to wait and see what turned up on the next #6 to Blackburn. We didn't have to wait long before required Transdev Optare Versa 265 appeared to work the next #6.

Lancashire United 265 in Accrington bus station

We decided we were going to do Transdev buses today so we got on the bus and booked a Blackburn day ticket at £4.20. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus filled up. We set off out of town along Blackburn Road and then we nturned onto the A679. We turned again to head through Oswaldtwistle and then we went onto Thwaites Road before rejoining the A679. We crossed under the M65 and into Knuzden before heading down into Intack. We continued onto the A678 and then we headed over the canal and railway line before going onto Barbara Castle Way and then onto Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 265.

Inside Lancashire United 265

We got off the bus and we contemplated what to do next. We had followed dud Transdev Lancashire United 2758 into the bus station on the X41. On the #152 to Preston was required Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Lancashire United 2760 in Blackburn bus station

We decided to do this bus, but we had never been in this direction on the #152 before. We got on the bus and flashed the Blackburn day ticket. I asked the driver how far I could travel and the driver told me a pub in Feniscowles. We went upstairs ans sat down near to the back of the bus. The bus set off out of town and past the college. As there were empty seats opposite to us, Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 2760.

Inside Lancashire United 2760

We carried on out of town along the A674. We found a timetable and we saw that the buses were meant to pass just East of Feniscowles, however we were running late. We passed the bus going towards Blackburn earlier than expect. Basesd on the timetable time and how long we had travelled, we guessed when it was time get off the bus. We got off the bus around a mile or so too soon. Once we were off the bus Matthew got another picture of this bus.

Lancashire United 2760 in Cherry Tree

We crossed the road to the stop opposite. We had around 20 minutes to wait for the next #152, but there was a #118 due at 15:14 in a few minutes time. The bus stop timetable said it was a Holmeswood bus, but as it approached we saw it was Tyrers Solo SR YJ13 HJZ.

Tyrers YJ13 HJZ in Cherry Tree

We now had just over 15 minutes to wait for the bus. Matthew had a Rice Crispies Squares bar and the small bottle of pop that we had picked up earlier. The time seemed to pass quickly and before long we saw buses in both directions on the #152. We turned to concentrate on our own bus, which turned out to be dud Lancashire United 2757.

Lancashire United 2757 in Cherry Tree

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets before we went upstairs to sit down. The bus carried on into town along the A674 going past the college and into the centre of town. We passed he railway station and then stopped at the temporary lights in front of the Morrisons West entrance. Matthew used the opportunity to photograph the empty bus in front of us.

Inside Lancashire United 2757

The bus carried on into Penny Street passed the new bus station that is being constructed and into the current temporary bus station. We had a quick look around to see what we could photograph or catch. On a #23 to the hospital was Transdev Lancashire United 270.

Lancashire United 270 in Blackburn bus station

We had a look around and we were considering catching Transdev Lancashire United 1306 which was about to work a #1 to Bolton.

Lancashire United 1306 in Blackburn bus station

As we waited in the queue we saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1876 on a #1 to Darwen Circus. As we considered catching this bus, we saw required Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV arrive on the other side of the bus station.

Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV in Blackburn bus station

The bus was on a D12 service to Higher Croft. We asked the driver how long it would take to go out and back and he told us it just over 20 minutes. We decided to do this bus and we asked for return tickets. We sat down and the bus set off out of town towards Rockcliffe Street and onto park Lee Road. We headed up to Higher croft and around the estate with the names of Lancashire coastal towns. We went along Lytham Road and Morecambe Road and we could see the bright lights of Ewood Park in the distance. A gentleman on the bus said that Blackburn were currently losing 1-0 to Leeds United. We headed back into town past the old infirmary, before we joined the A666 for the run into town. We passed through the town centre before going into Penny Street and into the temporary bus station. We waited for the bus to empty and Matthew got a picture inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV.

Inside Darwen Coach Services N349 AVV

On the way into the bus station we had seen a few interesting buses parked up. We decided to walk onto Penny Street to take pictures of the buses on layover. First in the row was Holmeswood Iveco minibus PO56 PCU.

Holmeswood PO56 PCU in Blackburn

Behind this was former Keighley allocated bus, Transdev Lancashire United 1044.

Lancashire United 1044 in Blackburn bus station

We then walked back to the bus station to see what we could catch next. I though we may do the double decker on the X41 towards Accrington, but Matthew had other ideas... We saw required Transdev Lancashire United 1096 on a #24 to Chorley.

Lancashire United 1096 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and flashed the tickets and we sat down near to the back of the bus. As the back seats were empty Matthew decided to take a picture.

Inside Lancashire United 1096

The bus set off through town and the we crossed over the green suspension bus over the railway line. We joined the A666and we headed down towards Ewood park. The plan was to get off before we got to Ewood Park as it was getting close to full time. It was dark and we ended up right by the stadium at the point where the bus turned towards Feniscowles. We got off the bus and started to walk back towards the A666. As we walked back to the road we spotted a gate area of spare ground where buses involved in transporting football fans were parked up. There were minibuses, coaches and double deckers all in this small enclosure. It was dark and the area was unlit. Matthew still attempted to get some kind of picture. First double decker in the row was Transdev Lancashire United 964.

Lancashire United 964 in Ewood

Behind 964 was Transdev Lancashire United Leyland Olympian 2173 in a retro lined blue and cream livery.

Lancashire United 2173 in Ewood

In front of the 3rd double decker was Rigby's minicoach ONZ 1173.

Rigby's ONZ 1173 in Ewood

Last in the row of double deckers behind the Rigby's minicoach was lime green liveried Lancashire United 984.

Lancashire United 984 in Ewood

We carried on towards the main road and mum called us on the phone. We told her it might take us a while to get to Accrington, so she said she would drive to Blackburn to meet us. We crossed over the canal bridge and we waited at the stop. We were the first people at the stop but people were now leaving the ground. By the time we saw a bus approaching there were a couple of dozen people waiting with us. As the bus got closer we saw it was required Transdev Lancashire United Optare Tempo 1303.

Lancashire United 1303 in Ewood

We got on the bus and flashed our tickets and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus filled up before we pulled off. It was a little rowdy, but everyone was high spirits as Blackburn had made a comeback and had one 2-1. The bus went up the A666 and then into town. We stopped short of the boulevard and Leeds fans who wanted the railway station were told that this was there best stop by some of the locals. We carried on past the boulevard and into Penny Street and into the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Transdev Lancashire United 1303.

Inside Lancashire United 1303

We started to walk towards Morrisons were we had arranged to meet up with mum. On the way we saw Transdev Lancashire United 1874 on layover.

Lancashire United 1874 in Blackburn

Also on layover was Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU.

Darwen Coach Services X991 WAU in Blackburn

We walkd the short distance to Morrisons and mum called to say that she had just arrived at the Car Park and got there unaided without the use of the GPS, which is quite a feat for a town as complex as Blackburn! We met at the toilet where Matthew used the facilities. Matthew stopped tosay hello to a member of staff in the Select store adjacent to the main part of the supermarket, and then we climbed the stairs to the car park. Mum had already purchase Greggs sausage rolls and there was also a Small bottle of Irn Bru. We set off up to the main road and we went East towards Accrington. Instead of going along Blackburn and into Accrington we went towards Church. At the junction with the A6185 we saw Transdev Lancashire United 2173 turn away from the M65 towards Clayton-le-Moors. We turned right to head towards town and then we went around the town centre of Accrington and onto the A680 WE carried on South-East for around 3 mile before we joined the South bound A56. The A56 became the M66 and we carried on down to the M60. We went anti-clockwise along the M60 and near to the M61 we saw an unidentified Arriva Hybrid doubled decker heading towards Bolton. We joined the Westbound M62 and then we went onto the Southbound M6. The roads were clear and we made quite good time. We joined the Southbound A500 which we did down to the A50. we went East for a couple of miles until we got to Longton. We came off the A50 to check out what was parked up at Z Carz. There was only one minibus parked on the spare ground tonight. The was Mercedes minibus Z Carz W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

We turned into Willow Row and the compound was full, with Z Carz BN03 OVS being close to the gate. We went back onto the A50 which we did to Heron Cross. As we headed towards Blurton we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. In Beaconsfield Drive we passed First Potteries 42892 on the last #22 towards Longton of the day. we got home a little after 19:20. For a late tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cake bar. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:30... Mark

Trip to Blackburn 18-01-2014

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
566	Blackburn temporary BS	Great Harwood, by Holgate Street	6	Transdev Lancashire United
1068	Great Harwood, by Towngate	Blackburn temporary BS	7	Transdev Lancashire United
207	Blackburn temporary BS	Royal Blackburn Hospital, Royal Blackburn Hospital (Stand A)	2	Transdev Lancashire United
17	Royal Blackburn Hospital, Royal Blackburn Hospital (Stand A)	Blackburn, by Old Royal Infirmary	5C	Transdev Lancashire United
1878	Blackburn, by Old Royal Infirmary	Blackburn temporary BS	1	Transdev Lancashire United
402	Blackburn temporary BS	Accrington BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United
403	Accrington BS	Blackburn temporary BS	X41	Transdev Lancashire United

Today we decided to re-visit Blackburn. It was the first time we had been since the interchange closed. Research consisted of a quick look at the Transdev website and to check the weather which was for cool and cloudy with occasional rain showers. Matthew got up around 10:00 and he had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:45 and we headed onto the A5035. We then headed down Stanley Matthew Way and onto the Westbound A50. We took the Northbound A500 up to Shelton and we came off the A500 to get some LPG. We then headed onto the West bound A53 and back onto the Northbound A500. The M6 was running well for a change and we made good time up to the M65. As we approached the M65 we passed one of our local coaches Phil Smiths Travel PSM 117H was heading North too. We then headed east and passed Blackburn before heading into town along the A678 into the town from the East. I managed to find my way unaided by GPS to Morrisons where we parked up so we could have dinner. After using the toilet, Matthew had a small breakfast washed down with a cup of Coke. The meal seemed to take a while so Matthew had his rice crispy cake first. It was after 14:00 when we walked out of Morrisons and towards the temporary bus station. As we walked towards the bus station Matthew took a few pictures. First bus we saw was 'Spot On' liveried 1829.

'Spot On' 1829 in Blackburn

Parked up outside the bus station was Transdev Lancashire United 440.

Lancashire United 440 in Blackburn

We walked into the bus station and we saw former Norwich park and ride bus, Transdev Lancashire United 205 on the #2 to Chorley.

Lancashire United 205 in Blackburn bus station

On a #4 service to Leyburn Road was Lancashire United Optare Versa 271.

Lancashire United 271 in Blackburn bus station

We then saw dud M&M Coaches N125 YHH on the #46 to Accrington.

M&M Coaches N125 YHH in Blackburn bus station

We decided not to do this bus as it was one we did back in November 2013 on the same service. There was an older Volvo B10 on the #6 Hyndburn circular. It was Transdev Lancashire United 566. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do it. He said yes and then he got a picture of it.

Lancashire United 566 in Blackburn bus station

We got on and asked for day tickets to Great Harwood and we were charged for the silver tickets. Next time I'll make sure I know the tickets before we book... We sat down near the back and the bus set off. We were going to go to Great Harwood, but the bus was a clockwise service via Rishton and Great Harwood and would take 45 minutes. I checked the buses I Have Travelled on page ans we realised that the bus was dud. It was our second Transdev bus that we had back in August 2013. To be fair when we last had the bus it was in 'Spot on' livery, with different seat moquette! The bus was quite full but Matthew took a picture of the rear of the bus.

Inside Lancashire United 566

When we knew the bus was dud, we decided to get off in Great Harwood and catch something else. We came into the town through a housing estate and into the main square adjacent to the town hall. We got off the bus and Matthew got a picture of Lancashire United 566 as it went off into the distance.

Lancashire United 566 in Great Harwood

The plan had been to wait for 12 minutes and to catch the next bus forward to Great Harwood, but Matthew had other ideas. He wanted to go to the toilet so we decided to go for a little walk. As we got to Blackburn Road we saw a Solo approaching. This was Holmeswood YJ55 BGO on the #14 to Chatburn.

Holmeswood YJ55 BGO in Great Harwood

We crossed over the road and had a walk around but we could not find a toilet Block, so we headed back to the stop. We had missed lancashire United 574 on the Accrington service so we decided to wait for the 15:08 to Blackburn. Whilst we were there we saw 2 of the Pilkington Buses on their Hyndburn circular service. First we saw dud Dart N230 TPK.

Pilkington Bus N230 TPK in Great Harwood

Going the other way was dud Pilkington Bus Olympian G301 UYK. Our bus turned up and it was required Lancashire United 1068. We got on the bus and we sat down near the back. We set off back through Rishton and over the M65 and we headed back into Blackburn. When we got back to the bus station we waited for the bus to empty and then Matthew got a picture inside Lancashire United 1068.

Inside Lancashire United 1068

As he had not got a picture of the bus at Great Harwood, he took a picture of Lancashire United 1068 here.

Lancashire United 1068 in Blackburn bus station

Opposite us was 'Spot On' liveried decker 2702 on the #4 to Leyburn Road.

'Spot On' 2702 in Blackburn bus station

Matthe still hadn't been toilet so we headed of to The Mall to use the toilet there. He went to say hell to someone in the Pos Office and again in the travel agents before we headed into the shopping centre and up the escalator. Upstairs we set off towards the toilet but Matthew decided to chase after someone else to say hello. We then went to the toilet and we headed back to the bus station out of the door by the toilets and around the outside! When we got there we saw required 'Spot On' liveried single decker 207.

'Spot On' 207 in Blackburn bus station

We asked the driver about the route / frequency of the service and he told us it was half hourly and via the hospital so We booked to Darwen. After we had sat down near the back, we set off out of town passed a retail park and towards the Hospital. The bus was quite full so he took a picture inside the bus towards to back seat.

Inside 'Spot On' 207

As we approached the hospital we saw a lime green step entranced Olympian which Matthew identified as Transdev 18. This gave me the idea that we could maybe get off at the hospital and catch either the 5A or 5C service. We got off and Matthew got another picture of 'Spot On' 207.

'Spot On' 207 outside the Royal Blackburn Hospital

It looked like we had missed the hourly 5A and 5C services, so we decided to do the next bus. One of the former Norwich park and ride bus came up to the stop. It was required Lancashire United 212. we were about to get on the bus and we were taking pictures when a step entranced decker appeared behind 212.

Lancashire United 212 outside the Royal Blackburn Hospital

We flagged down the decker and got on it. I asked the driver about the service and where we could go, and after a brief discussion we decided to do the bus to the Ewood area of town where we could pick up a #1 or #2 into Blackburn. We went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off through several different housing estates with lots of speed bumps! From the top deck of the bus we could see Ewood Park in the distance as we headed towards the A666. I took a guess as to where we need to get off and I had guessed correctly. As we were getting off Matthew got a picture inside the top deck of Transdev 17.

Inside Transdev 17

We got of the bus and we took a picture of the bus as it went off into the distance.

Transdev 17 in Ewood

We crossed the road and we checked the buses. We just missed Lancashire United 1877 as it would have meant running for it. We also saw minibus PO54 BOV. We checked the timetable and there wasnt a #5A due for a while. There was quite a wait for the next #2 service too. We decided to catch the next #1 whatever that may be. It was now starting to go dark. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching and it was required Transdev Lancashire United 1878.

Lancashire United 1878 in Ewood

We got on the bus and sat down. It didn't take long from here to get into town. I was almost a straight run up the A666. When we got there Matthew waited for the bus to empty before getting a picture inside Lancashire United 1878.

Inside Lancashire United 1878

We decided to get a quick trip in on 2 more buses. There was an M&M Coaches bus in on the #46, but this was dud N125 YHH. We then noticed Lancashire United 402 was about to set off on a X41 to Manchester. We took a picture and then went to get on it.

Lancashire United 402 in Blackburn bus station

We got on the bus and went upstairs. The bus set off out of town and we checked the page to see that it was a required bus! It is a bus we have seen work before back in December 2013. We crossed the M65 and headed into Accrington. As there were passengers front and back Matthew took a picture of the empty seats across from us.

Inside Lancashire United 402

We came into town past the town hall and market . We passed dud M&M Coaches N375 PNY which was doing the local services, before circling around past Santa's Pizza and into Peel Street from the other end. We got off the bus and headed towards the toilet. Matthew then took a picture of Transdev Lancashire United 402.

Lancashire United 402 in Accrington bus station

The toilet had been locked so we thought it better that we head straight back to Blackburn. As we thought about what we might catch we saw Lancashire United 403 heading back to Blackburn.

Lancashire United 403 in Accrington bus station

We got on the bus and went upstairs. The bus set off back through the town and out towards Church. We climbed the bank and crossed under the M65 again. we then headed down through Intack before dropping into the bus station. The bus stopped at the top of the bus station and Matthew got a picture of the inside of the bus as we got off.

Inside Lancashire United 403

We met up with mum and we started to head back to the to the car park. On the way we back we took a few pictures. Lancashire United 1872 was on a #6A Hyndburn circular.

Lancashire United 1872 in Blackburn bus station

We then crossed over the road and we took pictures of the buses lined up along the end of the bus station. A recnt arrival from Burnley was this ex Witch Way double decker Lancashire United 2753.

Lancashire United 2753 in Blackburn

Behind this was Darwen X991 WAU.

Darwen X991 WAU in Blackburn

At the end of the row was a bus we had done earlier Lancashire United 1878.

Lancashire United 1878 in Blackburn

We visited the toilet in Morrisons before we headed back to the car via the opticians and Select so Matthew could say hello to their staff. We went to the top floor of the car park and we had sausages rolls and Irn Bru before we set off. We stopped at the Shell garage for some petrol and then we headed onto the M65. Once on the M65 we went West to The M6. We went South along the M6 down to the A500. We did the A500 to Sideway before doing the A50 Longton. At Longton today we saw the following vehicles. There were 2 coaches parked up at the near end. Van Hool coach M534 RSO was at the back and the Blackwood liveried coach B12 FWS was at the front.

Z Carz B12 FWS in Longton

Behind these was the Mercedes minibus W221 CDN.

Z Carz W221 CDN in Longton

Closest to the wall was recently painted repainted Van Hool coach CNZ 3828. We turned left into Willow Row and we saw SORN LDV minibus T408 JUX in the compound. We turned in the road and when we headed back out Matthew got another picture of CNZ 3828.

Z Carz CNZ 3828 in Longton

We headed back onto the A50 and we came off at Heron Cross where we saw Lightning Travel T2 DLT. We headed through Blurton and we got home around 19:15. For a let tea we had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a custard tart. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 01:00...Mark