Trip to St Helens / Widnes 18-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
2251	St Helens BS	New Boston, opp Vista Road	20	Arriva NW&W
2693	New Boston, opp Haydock Ram's Head	St Helens BS	320	Arriva NW&W
680	St Helens BS	Widnes, Vicarage Road	17	Arriva NW&W
2520	Widnes, Town Hall	Widnes, Green Oaks	110	Arriva NW&W
13	Widnes, Green Oaks	St Helens BS	17	Halton Transport
4617	St Helens BS	Grange Park, adj Margery Road	10	Arriva NW&W
4612	Grange Park, opp Margery Road	St Helens BS	10	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit St Helens. We had checked the weather for the North West and the Midlands and it had forecast cloudy weather with sunny intervals all over. Research other than to check the weather was to look up the times of the Arriva run #17 service to Widnes. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off a fraction before 12:00 and we headed onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way and then went West on the A50. We passed Swans Travel YR15 OTD. At Sideway we joined the Northbound A500 and we passed quite a few vehicles going South. City Cabs EA04 FYF, National Holidays NH13 OWH, Country Lion BU11 JSF & White Van Hool MIL 9748 were all seen going South. On the radio it became apparent why there were extra vehicles on the Southbound A500. Due to a lorry fire on the M6 between junction 13 & 12. The M6 had been closed and traffic diverted onto the adjoining A roads causing gridlock! Police were advising people to leave the M6 at junction 16 and to travel South via the Anyway, we joined the Northbound M6 and we saw local vehicles ABC Supreme YX03 JVZ / HK57 LGZ, Britannia Travel S100 KKE, Intercity WJ12 NKX as well as blue minibus BF63 MFV. We left the M6 at the M62 and we went West for one junction. At Winwick we got on the Nortbound A49 and we saw Network Warrington 67 on a #22 service to Warrington and Arriva NW&W 2714 on a #360 from Wigan to Warrington. We carried on into Newton and we went left on the A572 toward Earlestown. At the petrol station we took the sharp left onto Market Street. We parked up at the shoppers car park on Lord Street and we headed off on foot to the cafe Crumpets for dinner. On the way we saw required Arriva NW&W Volvo 2707 on a #34 service. At the cafe Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. After we had finished eating we said goodbye and we walked to the toilet block near to the market. After using the toilet we set off on foot back towards the car. On the was we stopped to photograph required Arriva NW&W 2251 on a #20 service.

Arriva NW&W 2251 in Earlestown bus station

behind the Arriva Dart was dud Hatton's Travel Dart MW52 UCC on a #141 service to Earlestown.

Hatton's Travel MW52 UCC in Earlestown bus station

We got in the car and we drove back up Market Street onto the A572. We drove up to St Helens via Parr passing required Arriva NW&W 2422 on a #34 to Leigh. We parked up on Hardshaw Street and said goodbye to mum. We had missed the 14:10 departure to Widnes and then next Arriva one was 14:50. Once we had an Arriva Day Saver we could use either Halton Transport or Arriva buses as part of the quality bus partnership agreement entered into by bus companies and Merseytravel on select bus routes. Whilst we decided what bus to do next we decided to walk around the bus station and to take a few pictures. On layover between #10 Liverpool services was Arriva NW&W 4600.

Arriva NW&W 4600 in St Helens bus station

Between similarly routed #10A services was Arriva NW&W 4619. On the other side of the bus station we saw Arriva NW&W 712 on a #33 to Sutton Manor.

Arriva NW&W 712 in Earlestown bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W 2987 about to work a #320 to Wigan.

Arriva NW&W 2987 in St Helens bus station

Required Arriva NW&W 2714 was about to work the next #329 to warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2714 in St Helens bus station

Matthew wanted to use the toilet so we went up to the tardis like toilet at the top corner of the bus station. We spotted Arriva Dart 2251 come in on the #20 to Earlestown so we went over to check it out. The bus was loading and we saw dud Arriva NW&W 2694 pull up on Corporation Street on a #352 to Wigan via Orrell.

Arriva NW&W 2694 in St Helens bus station

The Dart started loading so we took a picture of Arriva NW&W 2251 through the glass of the bus station.

Arriva NW&W 2251 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we purchased Arriva North West Day Savers at £5.20. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus set off out of town Eastwards along the A58. About a mile out of town we left the A58 and we turned onto West End Road. As we travelled East we passed dud Arriva NW&W 2237. We joined onto the A599 and the bus started to empty out. Matthew took the opportunity to photograph some of the empty seats opposite to us.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2251

We carried on Further and we decided to get off the bus at the last stop on the A599 as we approached the turned to Earlestown. As we got closer to the stop we passed dud Arriva NW&W 2211 on a St Helens bound #20. We got off and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2251 as it was about to turn onto Vista Road.

Arriva NW&W 2251 in Haydock

We crossed the road at the traffic island and we checked the bus stop timetable information. We had around 10 minutes for the next #320. Whilst we waited Matthew had half a bottle of fanta that mum had saved earlier. We saw approaching down the A599 and as it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 2693.

Arriva NW&W 2693 in Haydock

The bus was empty when we got on it, so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2693.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2693

We flashed our Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus carried on back down the A599, turning onto Park Street and forwards onto West End Road. We joined the West bound A58 and we came into town along Corporation Street. We got off the bus and it was 15:05. The #17 to Widnes was due in 5 minutes. Arriva North West & Wales Solo 680 came and sat on the stand 'Not in Service'.

Arriva NW&W 680 in St Helens bus station

Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service, we saw Arriva NW&W Volvo 2706 arriving on a #34 from Leigh.

Arriva NW&W 2706 in St Helens bus station

The bus was made ready for service and the destination LEDS set to '17 Widnes'. We got on the bus and it was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 680.

Inside Arriva NW&W 680

We flashed the tickets to the driver and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off through the town and then across the roundabout near to KFC. We picked up a youth who had a slushie type drink that he purchased from KFC. We went along Peasley Cross Lane and under the railway line. At Langtree Park we saw an unidentified Acklams coach. We went South and we joined the A569. We went over the railway line at Lea Green and we went towards Clock Face. We went through the estate and we ended up on Jubits Lane. We went past The Dream and we crossed over the M62 and the A557. We joined the B5419 and we went South. At Victoria Park we turned left onto Locketts Road. We went South down Peel House Lane... As we travelled down I heard the youth with the drink shove his cup behind the back seat. What an inconsiderate idiot! We arrived at a busy shopping area with quite a few bus stops, and most people got up to get off the bus including the youth. As as walked past me I said to him 'Excuse me I think you left something behind'... He turned and looked at me in disgust and just carried on as if I had done something wrong. I though about getting off the bus, but some others had stayed on so I knew we hadn't reached the terminus. We went West back onto the B5419 and we carried on Southwards. We turned into a side street and everybody got off the bus. We had reached the terminus. We got off the bus into the town centre. There wasn't anyone around except a coupl of driver who waiting for buses to arrive for a driver change. Another bus pulled up behind us and it was Halton Transport MCV eVolution 4 on a #14C to Hough Green Farm. As the next #17 wouldn't arrive for approximately another 20 minutes, we decided to go for a short walk. We walked onto Kingsway and Matthew ate a bag of Milky Way Stars from the bag as well as drinking a can of Vimto. As we went to go back onto Vicarage Road we saw required Arriva NW&W 2539 on a #82A to Runcorn.

Arriva NW&W 2539 in Widnes

Back on Vicarage Road we saw Halton Transport Marshall bodied Dart 28 on a terminating #14 service.

Halton Transport 28 in Widnes

We decided to walk around the other corner to see if there was a bus we could catch back to the shopping centre instead of waiting for the #17. At the stop we saw there was a #110 due, which we hoped would take us there. As we waited we saw Halton Transport East Lancs bodied Dart 40 on a #2 to Halepark.

Halton Transport 40 in Widnes

We saw a #110 approaching so we flagged it down. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2520.

Arriva NW&W 2520 in Widnes

We got on the bus and we asked the driver if it was going to the retail park. He said that it was so we flashed the Arriva day Saver tickets to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We headed North and Matthew took a picture of the empty back seat of Arriva NW&W 2520.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2520

We passed a different retail park before turning into the one we recognised from earlier. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2520 before it carried on towards Warrington.

Arriva NW&W 2520 in Green Oaks

In font of us was Halton Transport East Lancs bodied Dart 47.

Halton Transport 47 in Green Oaks

Matthew wanted the toilet and we spotted some by the market hall. It was only around 100yds away so we quickly went down to the toilet so that Matthew could use them. After we retuned we waited for the next #17 departure to St Helens which we knew would be a Halton Transport bus. Whilst we waited we took a few more pictures in the busy area. We saw Halton Transport 46 on a Northbound service. We also saw Halton Transport Scania 83 on a #14 service.

Halton Transport 83 in Green Oaks

This was followed by Arriva NW&W Cadet 2535 on a #79C to Runcorn.

Arriva NW&W 2535 in Green Oaks

A solo pulled up behind us #27 to Weates Close. It was former Blackpool Transport 276 now carrying the fleet number 60 with Halton Transport.

Halton Transport 60 in Green Oaks

Across the way we saw Halton Transport MCV eVolution 8. It was getting busy in the bus area as Arriva NW&W 2537 was also seen.

Arriva NW&W 2537 in Green Oaks

Carrying a blue and silver livery on the side was Halton Transport Scania Omnicity 90 on a Northbound service. As the following bus turned the corner we could see that it had #17 route branding on it. As it got closer we saw that it was required Halton Transport Enviro200 13.

Halton Transport 13 in Green Oaks

We got on the bus and we flashed our Arriva North West Day Saver ticket to the driver. We sat down near to the back and we set off out of the Green Oaks retail park and onto Peel House lane. We turned left at Lockett Road and right onto the B5419. We travelled North through Farnworth and into Lunts Heath. We went North up Wilmere Lane and over the A557 and the M62. The road became Jubits Lane as as we were turning into Gartons lane we saw white coach L938 NWW parked on the corner. We zigged through the housing estate and we came out on Clock Face Road. At the big roundabout we crossed over and went over Lea Green railway station on the A569. We went up Marshall Cross Road and past Langtree Park again. This time there was no Acklam coach park outside. We crossed under the railway line and we went into town via Parr Street, Church Street and Hall Street were the bus terminated around the corner from the bus station. We let the bus empty and Matthew got a picture inside Halton Transport 13.

Inside Halton Transport 13

We got off the bus and we also took another better picture of Halton Transport 13.

Halton Transport 13 in St Helens

Around the corner in Bickerstaffs Street we saw required Hatton's Travel Enviro200 MX61 KOD.

Hatton's Travel MX61 KOD in St Helens bus station

We also saw Arriva NW&W 2551 on the #31 to Parr Stocks.

Arriva NW&W 2551 in St Helens bus station

Matthew wanted to use the toilet so we walked up to the top of the bus station to use the 'Tardis' toilet. When he came out we saw required Arriva NW&W Volvo 2703 on a #34A to Acorn Street.

Arriva NW&W 2703 in St Helens bus station

I asked Matthew if he wanted to do the Volvo but he indicated to me that he fancied doing a double decker. There was a #10 on layover on Corporation Street and it was required Arriva NW&W 4617. We walked over to the other side of the bus station to wait for it and we didn't have to wait for too long.

Arriva NW&W 4617 in St Helens bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver. We went upstairs and the top deck was empty and so Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4617.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4617

It was now nearly 17:00 so we were only going to do a short out and back trip. We decided to go to the point were the #10 and #10A services split at the junction of the A58 and the B5413. the bus set off through town up to the A58 and then we went Westwards. We travelled for about a nile and we got up one stop later than we wanted to go, past the B5413. When we got off Matthew took another picture of Arriva NW&W 4617 as it carried on towards Liverpool.

Arriva NW&W 4617 in Grange Park

We crossed the road and as we had seen a St Helens bound #10A go around the corner we decide to cross the road and wait where we were rather than walking one stop back towards town. Whilst ther we saw a number of Arriva #10A services go past in the distance as well as a Stagecoach Merseyside run #10A service as well as an Arriva #33 bus with a Solo SR. A few minutes later we saw an Arriva double decker approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was dud Arriva NW&W 4612.

Arriva NW&W 4612 in Grange Park

We got on the bus and we flashed the Arriva North West Day Saver tickets to the driver for the last time today. We went upstairs and the bus went into town the mile or so along the A58. We passed through the centre and onto Bickerstaffe Street and forwards onto Corporation Street. The bus reached the terminus and we waited for the bus to empty before Matthew got a picture inside Arriva NW&W 4612.

Inside Arriva NW&W 4612

We got off the bus and behind us was dud Arriva NW&W 2262 on layover.

Arriva NW&W 2262 in St Helens bus station

We walked back to the car and on the way we saw a few buses entering Corportaion Street. We saw dud Arriva NW&W 2254 on a #156 to Garswood.

Arriva NW&W 2254 in St Helens bus station

We also saw required Arriva NW&W 2717 on a #33 to Sutton Manor.

Arriva NW&W 2717 in St Helens bus station

In the car mum was waiting for us with Greggs sausage rolls and Matthew also had a bottle of Irn Bru. We set off along Corporation Street and onto the A58. Earlier in the day I had noticed a petrol station on the A58 when we went to Haydock on Arriva NW&W Dennis Dart 2251, Instead of going back the usual way via Newton, We went along the A58 for about a mile until we came to the petrol station. After a quick splash and dash we carried on along the A58 the short distance up the the A580. We went Eastwards along the A580 until we hit the M6 at junction 23. On the M6 we caught up with Copeland's Tours MIB 615 going South towards Stoke.

Copeland's Tours MIB 615 on the M6

We carried on South and we saw Roseville NA56 NWD. On the A500 we saw taxi minibus YJ13 KLV & Hollinshead Coaches NIB 8318. At Sideway we went east on the A50 which we did up to Longton so that we could check out what was at Z Carz this evening. First in the row was Z Carz Vauxhall minibus X599 WDY.

Z Carz X599 WDY in Longton

Next bus in the row was Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX.

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

Next to the Ford minibus was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

The last bus on the spare ground was another Z Carz Mercedes minibus M372 NWN.

Z Carz M372 NWN in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was stabled in the compound. In the cente of the compound was Z Carz airport transfers minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we did it up to Heron Cross. We turned left onto Blurton Road. As we passed Longton Hall Road we saw First Potteries 60072 on a #22 to Newcastle. We got home around 18:50. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a cornflake cake. bravo i love reading these Matthew chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:45... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 17-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DY08 FFX	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
65729	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been out with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Blurton

we got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Toad and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto Heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went to the pub in a Lucky Seven taxi. We turned on Christchurch Street and we crossed City Road onto Manor Street. At the end of Manor Street we turned left onto Victoria Road. At the roundabout in Joiners Square We went Straight across onto Lichfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went the toilet and had a can of Coke. Highlight of the bus sightings at the pub included First Potteries 63250 on a #6 to Hanley.

First Potteries 63250 in Joiners Square

When it was time to leave we returned to the day centre in a Lucky Seven taxi. We went down Lichfield Street and forwards onto Victoria Road. We went to the top turning sharp right onto City Road. We turned left into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to home home we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We set off onto Glebedale Road and straight onto Station Bridge Road and Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. When Matthew got home he had toast and some limeade. We waited at home until just after 16:00. Today we were doing First Potteries 65729 which was on the 16:05 from Longton to Newcastle. We walked to the stop and a minute or two after it was due, as expected First Potteries 65729 came around the corner.

First Potteries 65729 in Blurton

We got on the bus with uncle Dave and we booked to Harpfields Road and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off on the A5035 and turned right. We crossed into Trentham and we turned into New Inn Lane. We passed First Potteries 40023 on a #21B to Trentham Gardens followed by First Potteries 37158 running out of service. In the distance we saw Stanton's of Stokes' new 'raspberry' coloured minibus YX05 FFY come out of Pacific Drive and running ahead of us up the Lane. We continued into Hanford and we passed First Potteries only remaining ALX200 Dart 40155. We went down Church Lane. We joined the A34 and went under the A500 into Trent Vale, passing First Potteries 60073 running late. In Trent vale we passed First Potteries 41521 on a #21B to Trentham. We turned right into Harpfields Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew got another picture of First Potteries 65729 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 65729 in Trent Vale

We crossed the road and we turned to see First Potteries 60193 on the final #22 turn.

First Potteries 60193 in Trent Vale

We walked back onto the A34 and we saw two Hanley bound #10's one after the other. First Potteries 65041 led Olympia liveried First Potteries 65038. Shortly behind those pair we saw Happy Days Van Hool coach MIB 580 & ABC Supreme Mercedes minibus N806 CRJ. We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were Bennetts former Northern Irish Dart DCZ 7648 and Happy Days Van Hool coach MIB 580 & ABC Supreme Mercedes minibus N806 CRJ both retuning Southwards. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we joined the Eastbound A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We dropped into Fenton and picked up uncle Dave. After we had picked him up we went back through Heron Cross and over the A50 and we saw First Potteries 53209. We carried on along Blurton Road where we saw First Potteries 60073 on a Longton Bound #22. At Critchlows Corner we went forwards onto Church Road before turning left into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home at approximately 18:15. Matthew then chilled out on his computer looking at bus pictures and listening to music until bedtime around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Wigan / Westhoughton 11-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
22301	Wigan BS	Platt Bridge, after Warrington Road/Millers Lane	658	Stagecoach Manchester
36801	Platt Bridge, before Warrington Road/Millers Lane	Wigan BS	658	Stagecoach Manchester
19518	Wigan BS	Westhoughton, Market St/Westhoughton Town Hall (Stop F)	540	Stagecoach Manchester
19525	Westhoughton, Market St/Westhoughton Church (Stop E)	Wigan BS	540	Stagecoach Manchester
19339	Wigan BS	Platt Bridge, after Warrington Road/Millers Lane	658	Stagecoach Manchester
2968	Platt Bridge, before Warrington Road/Millers Lane	Wigan BS	360	Arriva NW&W

Today we decided to re-visit Wigan. We checked the weather and it was for cloudy weather with rain showers moving in later. We gave Matthew a list place in the Midlands and North West and from the list he chose Wigan. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and strawberry juice for breakfast. We set of just after 12:00 onto the A5035. We turned right onto Stanley Matthews Way before joining the Westbound A50. At Sideway we joined the Northbound A500. Going North up the A500 we passed ABC Supreme N806 CRJ going South. Later we saw ABC Supreme P881 RND in the first lay by off the M6 on the opposite carriageway. We joined the Northbound M6 and it was reasonably quiet. We were passed by DG minibus DK08 BNF. We went all the way up to junction 25 and we left the motorway on the A49. GThe last few miles into Wigan was a little quieter than usual and made good time. We parked up near to the bus station around 13:15. For dinner we went to Mr Chips where Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a small bottle of Coke. When we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and we also said goodbye to Mr Chips... We walked down to the bus station and we saw Rotala South Lancs Travel 30917 on a #715 to Bolton.

Rotala South Lancs 30917 in Wigan bus station

We had a quick wander around the bus station whilst we decided what buses to catch. Between services on layover we saw required Rotala South Lancs Travel 30536.

Rotala South Lancs 30536 in Wigan bus station

We also saw required Stagecoach Manchester 36798 on a #626 Beech Hill circular.

Stagecoach Manchester 36798 in Wigan bus station

We then saw required Stagecoach Manchester 19524 on a #32 to Manchester.

Stagecoach Manchester 19524 in Wigan bus station

Behind the double decker was required Stagecoach Manchester 22301 on a #658 to Higher Folds via Platt Bridge & Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 22301 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do this required MAN single decker. Whilst we waited for the bus to be readied for service we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 22223 on the following #658 service.

Stagecoach Manchester 22223 in Wigan bus station

We decided to do the slightly less desirable Stagecoach Manchester 22301, as we could get off 22301 Platt Bridge and jump on Stagecoach Manchester 22223 and do it forward to Leigh, at least that was our thinking... We got on Stagecoach Manchester 22301 and it was fairly well loaded. We booked System One bus only tickets at £5.20 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off through town and out onto the other side along Scholes. On the edge of ton we turned onto Warrington Road and we went South for a few miles. Stagecoach Manchester 22223 was lightly loaded and right behind us, so it ended up getting ahead of us! We decided to get off in Platt Bridge anyway, as we were getting off Stagecoach Manchester 22301 we saw Stagecoach Manchester 22223 leaving the main stop in Platt Bridge and going off into the distance.... Drat! Once off the bus Matthew got another better picture of Stagecoach Manchester 22301 before it carried on towards Higher Folds.

Stagecoach Manchester 22301 in Platt Bridge

On the opposite side of the road we saw Stagecoach Manchester 36801 sitting out of service at the Wigan bound stop. On our previous visit to Platt Bridge back in January 2015 we saw a few scrap buses in the yard of Blakeleys Recycling which is situated just off the main street. We walked up to the yard and we took a few pictures from the boundary of the yard. Nearest to the gate and in clear view were former First Potteries bus 40179 along side First Marshall bodied Dart 41301. At the back of the site is former First Potteries bus 61239. There is no boundary fence on the left side of the yard, but the area is marked out with scrap lorry trailers. Behind the trailers are former First Potteries bus 40007 & First West Yorkshire 50282. When we had finished taking pictures in the scrapyard, we headed back onto the high street. At the Wigan bound stop still was Stagecoach Manchester 36801 and this had been joined by required Stagecoach Manchester 22358.

Stagecoach Manchester 22358 in Platt Bridge

We crossed the road hoping to catch required Stagecoach Manchester 22358, but as we walked up to the door we noticed that a fitter was in attendance. The bus had been emptied and all the passenger had transferred onto Stagecoach Manchester 36801 that had been sitting at the stop awaiting the arrival of the errant bus. I asked Matthew if he wanted to do Stagecoach Manchester 36801 or wait for the next bus. He chose to do Stagecoach Manchester 36801, but not before getting a picture of the bus.

Stagecoach Manchester 36801 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One bus tickets to the driver. We sat down towards the back of the bus. Checking the 'buses I have travelled on' page we saw that we had already been on this bus from Hindley Green to Leigh back in September 2014. The bus set off Northwards up Warrington Road and we entered town from the East. When we got back to the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 36801.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 36801

Across the way there was a double decker on the #540 to Bolton. We asked matthew if he wanted to do it and he said yes... It was Stagecoach Manchester 19518.

Stagecoach Manchester 19518 in Wigan bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets at the driver before going upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19518

This was another bus that we though was a required one... It turned out that it wasn't! We had been on Stagecoach Manchester 19518 from Wigan to Hindley Green back in January 2015. The bus set off put of town Eastwards and onto the A577 and through Ince. We carried on to Hindley before turning Northwards. We headed East through the housing estate to the North of Atherton Road before going past the industrial estate and running up to Daisy Hill. We passed the railway station before turning left and going through the housing estate onto the A58. We went North before turning right onto Market Street. As we turned into market Street we saw required Arriva NW&W 4185 on a Wigan bound #715 service. We travelled to the far end of Market Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19518 before it carried on to Bolton.

Stagecoach Manchester 19518 in Westhoughton

We visited the Co-operative food store behind the bus stop and we stock up on chocolate and pop in the trip bag. After we had paid for the goodies we set of down Market Street to the toilet. On the way we saw required Arriva NW&W MPD Dart 893 on the #715 to Bolton.

Arriva NW&W 893 in Westhoughton

Matthew used the toilet and we crossed the road to wait for the next Wigan bus. On the other side of the road we saw Rotala South Lancs Travel 20726 on the #521 to Little Lever. There was an #540 to Wigan and an #715 to Wigan both due at the same time. The Stagecoach bus turned up first and it was Stagecoach Manchester 19525.

Stagecoach Manchester 19525 in Westhoughton

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The bus set off onto the A58 and through the housing estate to Daisy Hill. A quick check of the 'Buses I have travelled on' page again revealed this to be a dud bus. We made the trip from Dangerous Corner to Higher Ince on Stagecoach Manchester 19525 back in September 2014. We had been on We travelled through the estates until we came onto the A58 again and we went into Hindley. As we travelled back along the A577 we passed Wigan Coachways T42 PVM in Higher Ince and Wigan Buses T439 EBD in Ince on a #639 service. By this time the the bus had emptied out in front of us so Matthew took a picture of the empty bus in front of us.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19525

The bus carried on into Ince and then into Wigan along the A577 from the East end. When we got to the bus station we considered what we should catch next. At the bottom end of the bus station we saw required Arriva NW&W 4582 on a #375 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4582 in Wigan bus station

Earlier on in the day we had seen required Stagecoach Manchester 19339 on the #658 service. AS we had only scored 1 out of 4 buses today and we saw this required bus we decided to do it... Matthew got a picture of Stagecoach Manchester 19339 as we waited for the bus to be readied for service.

Stagecoach Manchester 19339 in Wigan bus station

Across the way we saw The Travellers Choice coach 100 WXD arrive in the bus station.

The Travellers Choice 100 WXD in Wigan bus station

We got on Stagecoach Manchester 19339 and we flashed the System One ticket to the driver. We went upstairs and as the top deck was empty Matthew decided to take a picture inside Stagecoach Manchester 19339 before we sat down.

Inside Stagecoach Manchester 19339

The bus set off out of town and we went Eastwards over the A49 before turning Southwards down the A573 Warrington Road. When we got to Platt Bridge we got up and got off Stagecoach Manchester 19339. We had just missed required Stagecoach Manchester 22237 going the other way. We crossed the Road and according to the bus stop timetable we had around 12 minutes to wait for the next bus. Before the bus appeared what we can only assume to be a late running Arriva #360 service appeared. As it got closer we saw it was required Arriva NW&W 2968.

Arriva NW&W 2968 in Platt Bridge

We got on the bus and we flashed the System One tickets to the driver for the final time today. We sat down towards the back of the bus and the bus carried on North up the A573. We headed into Wigan from the East along Darlington Street. When we got to the bus station we let the bus empty out before Matthew took a picture inside Arriva NW&W 2968.

Inside Arriva NW&W 2968

After we got off the bus we met with mum and we crossed over the bus station and took another picture of Arriva NW&W 2968.

Arriva NW&W 2968 in Wigan bus station

Before we set off home we went around the bus station and took a few more pictures. Matthew went to the toilet and then we worked our way towards the bottom corner of the bus station taking pictures. At the top of the bus station was Rotala South Lancs Travel Streetlite 20981.

Rotala South Lancs 20981 in Wigan bus station

Down the bottom end of the bus station we saw dud Arriva NW&W 4583 on a #375 to Southport.

Arriva NW&W 4583 in Wigan bus station

On layover between duties was dud Stagecoach Manchester 19088.

Stagecoach Manchester 19088 in Wigan bus station

We left the bus station and we saw required Stagecoach Manchester 19517 which was on layover between duties on the #598 to Leigh.

Stagecoach Manchester 19517 in Wigan

We walked up to the car which mum had moved to Hallgate and there were Greggs sausage rolls and a small bottle of Irn Bru for Matthew. We left town via Frog Lane and Prescott Street. We joined the Northbound A49 and we went around Wigan Pier before going South down the A49 and out of town. Before we joined the motorway we stopped at a petrol station and we took on some diesel. We rejoined the A49 and we went down to the M6. Returning home we saw Z Carz BN03 OVS on the M6 before we turned off onto the A500. As we went down the A500 we saw ABC Supreme SM57 RZU. At Sideway we went East on the A50 and we came off the A50 at Longton to check out was was present at the Z carz depot. On the spare ground there were 2 buses. Closest to the A50 was Z Carz Mercedes minibus S952 VMY.

Z Carz S952 VMY in Longton

Next to the Mercedes was Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

We turned left into Willow Row to see what was in the compound this evening. Z Carz Mercedes minibus CE02 LYX was partially visible behind a few cars.

Z Carz CE02 LYX in Longton

We rejoined the A50 and we went up to Heron Cross and we joined Blurton Road. At the bottom of Beaconsfield Drive we passed First Potteries 65729 on the final #22 Newcastle - Longton of the day. We got home a little after 19:00. For a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by millionaires shortbread. Matthew then chilled out on his computer until bedtime around 00:45... Mark

Trip to Joiners Square / Trent Vale 10-07-2015

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
DV10 JCU	Blurton	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Fenton	Joiners Square	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DY08 FFX	Joiners Square	Fenton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
DV10 JCU	Fenton	Blurton	Charter	Shelton Care Group
60069	Magdalen Road, Blurton	Trent Vale, opp Chubb Way (Unmarked)	22	First Potteries

Today Matthew was going to the pub for his tea, but not before he had been out with his day service. Matthew got up around 08:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. Just before 09:00 his transport to his day service turned up and it was Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU.

Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU in Blurton

we got on the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We went over the railway line into Trentham before turning at New Inn Lane. We turned into Pacific Drive and we picked up another service user before going back onto New Inn Lane. We returned along A5035 before turning left into Church Toad and forwards onto Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We turned right to go through the traffic lights and onto heron Street. After crossing over the railway we turned left onto Christchurch Street before reaching our destination. In the morning Matthew went into the sensory and spent time using a computer. We went to fetch dinner from the chip shop. For dinner he had sausage chips and gravy from the chips shop. After dinner we went to the pub. Today we went to the pub in Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX.

Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX in Fenton

We turned onto Glebedale Road and Left onto City Road. Just before the railway line we turned right onto the A52. We carried on past the railway station and along the A52 to Joiners Square. At the roundabout we turned left onto LIchfield Street and to our destination. Matthew went to the toilet and had a drink of Coke. Highlights of the bus sightings at the pub include First Potteries 63171 on a #6 service. When it was time to return to the day centre we climbed aboard Shelton Care Group DY08 FFX. We went down Palmeston Street and then right onto the A52 and we saw Z carz minibus X599 WDY. At the roundabout we went left onto Victoria Road and we turned right onto manor Street. We turned left onto City Road and then right into Glebedale Road and to our destination. When it was time to go home we climbed aboard onto Shelton Care Group DV10 JCU. We set off onto Glebedale Road and we carried onto Station Bridge Road. We carried on onto Heron Street. In Heron Cross we went straight across onto Blurton Road and over the A50. We carried on into Blurton along Blurton Road and forward onto Church Road. We turned right onto Beaconsfield Road and arrived home just before 15:00. When Matthew got home he had toast and drink of orangeade. Just after 16:00 we set off on foot to catch the 16:05 departure from Longton to Newcastle. I had view the bus earlier in the day and it was dud First Potteries 60069. We walked to the stop all the way over on Magdalen Road. The bus turned the corner around it was dud First Potteries 60069.

First Potteries 60069 in Blurton

We got on the bus and we booked to Harpfields Road. We sat down near to the back of the bus and the bus set off onto the A5035. We should have passed First Potteries 60202 on the #22 but it didn't show up. We crossed the railway line into Trentham and just before we turned into New Inn Lane we passed Alfa coach 71 going towards Longton. On new Inn Lane we passed First Potteries 37157 on the #22 to New Inn Lane. We continues through Trentham and we passed First Potteries 40373 on a #21B the Hanley. We carried on into Hanford passing First Potteries 40023 on a #21 to Trentham. At the bottom of Church Lane we joined the A34 and we went under the A500 into Trent Vale. As we passed the pub we saw mum parking the car. We turned into Harpfield Road and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Potteries 60069 as it carried on towards Newcastle.

First Potteries 60069 in Trent Vale

We crossed the road and we saw an ABC Supreme minibus approaching on the Stafford to UHNS shuttle. It was required ABC Supreme N806 CRJ.

ABC Supreme N806 CRJ in Trent Vale

We walked onto the A34 and towards the bus. By the bus stop we turned to see First Potteries Scania Omnicity 65039 on a #10 to Stafford.

First Potteries 65039 in Trent Vale

We got to the pub and mum was waiting for us. Matthew had a brunch with bread and butter followed by toffee sponge pudding with custard. Whilst we ate highlights of the passing buses were Stanton's of Stoke coach BAZ 2002, Dunwoods YN15 EHZ and Global Travel FN02 VBV. Also seen was First Potteries 53119 which had taken over from First Potteries 60202 on the #22. It was quite possibly the first time one of the former Norwich Solos had worked on the #22. After we had finished eating we went out to the car. We called Uncle Dave and we went to pick him up. We set off onto the A34 and onto the Northbound A500. At Sideway we joined the Eastbound A50 which we did to Heron Cross. We dropped into Fenton and picked up uncle Dave. After we had picked him up we went back through Heron Cross and over the A50 and we saw Phil Boultons T2 DLT. We carried on along Blurton Road where we saw First Potteries 53208. At Critchlows Corner we went forwards onto Church Road before turning left into Beaconsfield Drive. We got home at approximately 18:15. Matthew then chilled out on his computer looking at bus pictures and listening to music until bedtime around 00:00... Mark