Bus Related Outings and Reviews
Bus Related Outings and Reviews
For Showbus I'm doing a 2 week road trip. Here is version 2 of the plan. Version 1 got scrapped due to work pressure.
But I shall be staying in Ipswich, Newport, Wolverhampton and Widnes.
Sat 20th - Head down via Newark, Boston & Kings Lynn
Sun 21st - Showbus
Mon 22nd - Ipswich
Tue 23rd - Norwich
Wed 24th - Drive to Newport Via Haverhill, Stevenage, Aylesbury, Bicester, Cheltenham & Gloucester.
Thu 25th - South Wales by Bus
Fri 26th - Bristol and Bath
Sat 27th - South Wales by Bus
Sun 28th - Drive to Wolverhampton via Kington (For Sargents depot), Hereford, Worcester, Stratford, Redditch & Kidderminster.
Mon 29th - West Midlands
Tue 30th - West Midlands
Wed 1st - West Midlands
Thu 2nd - West Midlands
Fri 3rd - Drive to Widnes via Telford, Shrewsbury, Newcastle Under Lyme, Hanley, Crewe, Warrington & Widnes Town Centre.
Sat 4th - Merseyside
Sun 5th - Birkenhead Bus and Tram Rally
Mon 6th - Manchester then home.
(03 Jun 2014, 10:34 pm)GMitchelhill For Showbus I'm doing a 2 week road trip. Here is version 2 of the plan. Version 1 got scrapped due to work pressure.
But I shall be staying in Ipswich, Newport, Wolverhampton and Widnes.
Sat 20th - Head down via Newark, Boston & Kings Lynn
Sun 21st - Showbus
Mon 22nd - Ipswich
Tue 23rd - Norwich
Wed 24th - Drive to Newport Via Haverhill, Stevenage, Aylesbury, Bicester, Cheltenham & Gloucester.
Thu 25th - South Wales by Bus
Fri 26th - Bristol and Bath
Sat 27th - South Wales by Bus
Sun 28th - Drive to Wolverhampton via Kington (For Sargents depot), Hereford, Worcester, Stratford, Redditch & Kidderminster.
Mon 29th - West Midlands
Tue 30th - West Midlands
Wed 1st - West Midlands
Thu 2nd - West Midlands
Fri 3rd - Drive to Widnes via Telford, Shrewsbury, Newcastle Under Lyme, Hanley, Crewe, Warrington & Widnes Town Centre.
Sat 4th - Merseyside
Sun 5th - Birkenhead Bus and Tram Rally
Mon 6th - Manchester then home.
(03 Jun 2014, 10:34 pm)GMitchelhill For Showbus I'm doing a 2 week road trip. Here is version 2 of the plan. Version 1 got scrapped due to work pressure.
But I shall be staying in Ipswich, Newport, Wolverhampton and Widnes.
Sat 20th - Head down via Newark, Boston & Kings Lynn
Sun 21st - Showbus
Mon 22nd - Ipswich
Tue 23rd - Norwich
Wed 24th - Drive to Newport Via Haverhill, Stevenage, Aylesbury, Bicester, Cheltenham & Gloucester.
Thu 25th - South Wales by Bus
Fri 26th - Bristol and Bath
Sat 27th - South Wales by Bus
Sun 28th - Drive to Wolverhampton via Kington (For Sargents depot), Hereford, Worcester, Stratford, Redditch & Kidderminster.
Mon 29th - West Midlands
Tue 30th - West Midlands
Wed 1st - West Midlands
Thu 2nd - West Midlands
Fri 3rd - Drive to Widnes via Telford, Shrewsbury, Newcastle Under Lyme, Hanley, Crewe, Warrington & Widnes Town Centre.
Sat 4th - Merseyside
Sun 5th - Birkenhead Bus and Tram Rally
Mon 6th - Manchester then home.
(03 Jun 2014, 10:34 pm)GMitchelhill For Showbus I'm doing a 2 week road trip. Here is version 2 of the plan. Version 1 got scrapped due to work pressure.
But I shall be staying in Ipswich, Newport, Wolverhampton and Widnes.
Sat 20th - Head down via Newark, Boston & Kings Lynn
Sun 21st - Showbus
Mon 22nd - Ipswich
Tue 23rd - Norwich
Wed 24th - Drive to Newport Via Haverhill, Stevenage, Aylesbury, Bicester, Cheltenham & Gloucester.
Thu 25th - South Wales by Bus
Fri 26th - Bristol and Bath
Sat 27th - South Wales by Bus
Sun 28th - Drive to Wolverhampton via Kington (For Sargents depot), Hereford, Worcester, Stratford, Redditch & Kidderminster.
Mon 29th - West Midlands
Tue 30th - West Midlands
Wed 1st - West Midlands
Thu 2nd - West Midlands
Fri 3rd - Drive to Widnes via Telford, Shrewsbury, Newcastle Under Lyme, Hanley, Crewe, Warrington & Widnes Town Centre.
Sat 4th - Merseyside
Sun 5th - Birkenhead Bus and Tram Rally
Mon 6th - Manchester then home.
(03 Jun 2014, 10:34 pm)GMitchelhill For Showbus I'm doing a 2 week road trip. Here is version 2 of the plan. Version 1 got scrapped due to work pressure.
But I shall be staying in Ipswich, Newport, Wolverhampton and Widnes.
Sat 20th - Head down via Newark, Boston & Kings Lynn
Sun 21st - Showbus
Mon 22nd - Ipswich
Tue 23rd - Norwich
Wed 24th - Drive to Newport Via Haverhill, Stevenage, Aylesbury, Bicester, Cheltenham & Gloucester.
Thu 25th - South Wales by Bus
Fri 26th - Bristol and Bath
Sat 27th - South Wales by Bus
Sun 28th - Drive to Wolverhampton via Kington (For Sargents depot), Hereford, Worcester, Stratford, Redditch & Kidderminster.
Mon 29th - West Midlands
Tue 30th - West Midlands
Wed 1st - West Midlands
Thu 2nd - West Midlands
Fri 3rd - Drive to Widnes via Telford, Shrewsbury, Newcastle Under Lyme, Hanley, Crewe, Warrington & Widnes Town Centre.
Sat 4th - Merseyside
Sun 5th - Birkenhead Bus and Tram Rally
Mon 6th - Manchester then home.
Looking at under £400 for accomodation. Which apart from the Wolverhampton part, it will be paid for in advance as at the moment (Subject to price changes) I'll be staying in Travelodges (Wolverhampton, I will be staying in the same hotel I've stayed at for the last 2 years.).
Petrol probably be around £150 to £200 depending on the prices, though prob lower if I drive economically.
Bus fare wise.
Ipswich I will be getting a Plus Bus ticket.
Norwich will be using a multi operator ticket.
South Wales will be using a multi operator ticket.
Bristol and Bath will be using AvonRider.
For West Midlands I be getting a week long pass as it's cheaper than 4 day tickets. That costs around £30. Valid on Metro and Trains.
Merseyside will be using a multi operator ticket. Valid on Trains too.
Manchester will be using a multi operator ticket. Valid on Trains and Metrolink.
But I plan to be in banging the over time over the next few months, and too be honest, won't be having too many days out in the North East over the summer, with any days that I've booked off focused on various bus rallies. Plus a day in Glasgow during the Commonwelth games.
And also Nottingham this coming Thursday.
(03 Jun 2014, 11:46 pm)GMitchelhill Looking at under £400 for accomodation. Which apart from the Wolverhampton part, it will be paid for in advance as at the moment (Subject to price changes) I'll be staying in Travelodges (Wolverhampton, I will be staying in the same hotel I've stayed at for the last 2 years.).
Petrol probably be around £150 to £200 depending on the prices, though prob lower if I drive economically.
Bus fare wise.
Ipswich I will be getting a Plus Bus ticket.
Norwich will be using a multi operator ticket.
South Wales will be using a multi operator ticket.
Bristol and Bath will be using AvonRider.
For West Midlands I be getting a week long pass as it's cheaper than 4 day tickets. That costs around £30. Valid on Metro and Trains.
Merseyside will be using a multi operator ticket. Valid on Trains too.
Manchester will be using a multi operator ticket. Valid on Trains and Metrolink.
But I plan to be in banging the over time over the next few months, and too be honest, won't be having too many days out in the North East over the summer, with any days that I've booked off focused on various bus rallies. Plus a day in Glasgow during the Commonwelth games.
And also Nottingham this coming Thursday.
(03 Jun 2014, 11:46 pm)GMitchelhill Looking at under £400 for accomodation. Which apart from the Wolverhampton part, it will be paid for in advance as at the moment (Subject to price changes) I'll be staying in Travelodges (Wolverhampton, I will be staying in the same hotel I've stayed at for the last 2 years.).
Petrol probably be around £150 to £200 depending on the prices, though prob lower if I drive economically.
Bus fare wise.
Ipswich I will be getting a Plus Bus ticket.
Norwich will be using a multi operator ticket.
South Wales will be using a multi operator ticket.
Bristol and Bath will be using AvonRider.
For West Midlands I be getting a week long pass as it's cheaper than 4 day tickets. That costs around £30. Valid on Metro and Trains.
Merseyside will be using a multi operator ticket. Valid on Trains too.
Manchester will be using a multi operator ticket. Valid on Trains and Metrolink.
But I plan to be in banging the over time over the next few months, and too be honest, won't be having too many days out in the North East over the summer, with any days that I've booked off focused on various bus rallies. Plus a day in Glasgow during the Commonwelth games.
And also Nottingham this coming Thursday.
To be honest Tom over the years I've stayed in Travelodges in Glenrothes, Swavensey (Cambridge) and one near Newton Le Willows and never had a single problem with them.
(04 Jun 2014, 12:22 pm)GMitchelhill To be honest Tom over the years I've stayed in Travelodges in Glenrothes, Swavensey (Cambridge) and one near Newton Le Willows and never had a single problem with them.
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(04 Jun 2014, 12:22 pm)GMitchelhill To be honest Tom over the years I've stayed in Travelodges in Glenrothes, Swavensey (Cambridge) and one near Newton Le Willows and never had a single problem with them.
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(04 Jun 2014, 2:35 pm)tyresmoke Indeed I have stayed in the Travelodge at Meadowhall on more than one occasion and never had a problem, though it is slightly more upmarket having formerly been a Premier Inn until they built their new one!
My next trip away is in 2 weeks time to Luton for 4 days where I am staying in the Hampton by Hilton hotel at the Airport, which was a bargain at £190 for 4 nights and breakfast included, plus free wi-fi too. The shuttle bus into town stops right outside the hotel, ran by Arriva Shires. I am going to be touring their area for a few days before jetting off to Stockholm with Norwegian on the 787
(04 Jun 2014, 2:35 pm)tyresmoke Indeed I have stayed in the Travelodge at Meadowhall on more than one occasion and never had a problem, though it is slightly more upmarket having formerly been a Premier Inn until they built their new one!
My next trip away is in 2 weeks time to Luton for 4 days where I am staying in the Hampton by Hilton hotel at the Airport, which was a bargain at £190 for 4 nights and breakfast included, plus free wi-fi too. The shuttle bus into town stops right outside the hotel, ran by Arriva Shires. I am going to be touring their area for a few days before jetting off to Stockholm with Norwegian on the 787
(04 Jun 2014, 12:22 pm)GMitchelhill To be honest Tom over the years I've stayed in Travelodges in Glenrothes, Swavensey (Cambridge) and one near Newton Le Willows and never had a single problem with them.
(04 Jun 2014, 12:22 pm)GMitchelhill To be honest Tom over the years I've stayed in Travelodges in Glenrothes, Swavensey (Cambridge) and one near Newton Le Willows and never had a single problem with them.
(04 Jun 2014, 4:47 pm)Tom One I stayed in (Kendal) was shocking - didn't have breakfast either, just these crappy boxes of continental food.
(04 Jun 2014, 4:47 pm)Tom One I stayed in (Kendal) was shocking - didn't have breakfast either, just these crappy boxes of continental food.
I too have never had any problems with any Travelodges, I'd say the majority are really pleasant!
Just out curiosity is there any interesting workings in the Sunderland/South Shields Area on a Sunday, As my Mother has kindly gave me her Zone 3/4 Network One Ticket which runs out Tomorrow.
There are few Downsides to this, I can't get the 2C on my Doorstep to Sunderland, I have to Travel to Concord and get on the 56 instead as Shiney Row/Penshaw are in Zone 5, Yet in Zone 3 if I avoided Zone 1 and 2, I could somehow manage to Travel to Dinnington and I can get to North Shields via South Shields using the Shields Ferry, and in Zone 4 I can Travel as far as Ryhope/Doxford Park. Furthermore if I was to go North/South Shields i'd still have to come back via Sunderland as I can't use the Metro to Heworth as that's in Zone 2.
Someone please explain to me how on Gods Green Earth that works exactly.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:21 pm)NEBCD Malarkey Just out curiosity is there any interesting workings in the Sunderland/South Shields Area on a Sunday, As my Mother has kindly gave me her Zone 3/4 Network One Ticket which runs out Tomorrow.
There are few Downsides to this, I can't get the 2C on my Doorstep to Sunderland, I have to Travel to Concord and get on the 56 instead as Shiney Row/Penshaw are in Zone 5, Yet in Zone 3 if I avoided Zone 1 and 2, I could somehow manage to Travel to Dinnington and I can get to North Shields via South Shields using the Shields Ferry, and in Zone 4 I can Travel as far as Ryhope/Doxford Park. Furthermore if I was to go North/South Shields i'd still have to come back via Sunderland as I can't use the Metro to Heworth as that's in Zone 2.
Someone please explain to me how on Gods Green Earth that works exactly.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:21 pm)NEBCD Malarkey Just out curiosity is there any interesting workings in the Sunderland/South Shields Area on a Sunday, As my Mother has kindly gave me her Zone 3/4 Network One Ticket which runs out Tomorrow.
There are few Downsides to this, I can't get the 2C on my Doorstep to Sunderland, I have to Travel to Concord and get on the 56 instead as Shiney Row/Penshaw are in Zone 5, Yet in Zone 3 if I avoided Zone 1 and 2, I could somehow manage to Travel to Dinnington and I can get to North Shields via South Shields using the Shields Ferry, and in Zone 4 I can Travel as far as Ryhope/Doxford Park. Furthermore if I was to go North/South Shields i'd still have to come back via Sunderland as I can't use the Metro to Heworth as that's in Zone 2.
Someone please explain to me how on Gods Green Earth that works exactly.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:33 pm)Dan Stagecoach NE used to have the most interesting allocation on Sundays with no ALX300s being allocated, but since the gas buses have been launched (esp. the second batch), it's not particularly interesting anymore.
Gas buses on services 3, 16 and 20 (as usual), and I suspect you'll now see them on service 13 too.
"SUNderland Bus" branded E200s typically allocated to every other service - used to see them on services 3, 16 and 20 prior to gas buses entering service.
The E400s which are usually allocated to the X34 are all allocated to E1/E2/E6 too.
Good chance to get on service 23 to Seaburn too, if you're interested in a ride out.
As for GNE, which has overtaken as most interesting again...
They have the Silver Arrows and SimpliCity 61 interworking, and also the 29A running with SimpliCity Versas. Good chance to photograph Nexus-secured 135/136 which I'm guessing you haven't done already if it's a rare Sunday trip out (should be the two Nexus SRs, but often 628 or a Versa). Services 60/42 also interwork, so you'll see Streetlites on the 42.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:33 pm)Dan Stagecoach NE used to have the most interesting allocation on Sundays with no ALX300s being allocated, but since the gas buses have been launched (esp. the second batch), it's not particularly interesting anymore.
Gas buses on services 3, 16 and 20 (as usual), and I suspect you'll now see them on service 13 too.
"SUNderland Bus" branded E200s typically allocated to every other service - used to see them on services 3, 16 and 20 prior to gas buses entering service.
The E400s which are usually allocated to the X34 are all allocated to E1/E2/E6 too.
Good chance to get on service 23 to Seaburn too, if you're interested in a ride out.
As for GNE, which has overtaken as most interesting again...
They have the Silver Arrows and SimpliCity 61 interworking, and also the 29A running with SimpliCity Versas. Good chance to photograph Nexus-secured 135/136 which I'm guessing you haven't done already if it's a rare Sunday trip out (should be the two Nexus SRs, but often 628 or a Versa). Services 60/42 also interwork, so you'll see Streetlites on the 42.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:45 pm)NEBCD Malarkey Cheers Dan, I was planning on popping along Seaburn to get some Photos along the Coast which was part of the Plan, but it was mainly to catch the Odd Sunday Workings in Sunderland, there is also the 38C isn't there.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:45 pm)NEBCD Malarkey Cheers Dan, I was planning on popping along Seaburn to get some Photos along the Coast which was part of the Plan, but it was mainly to catch the Odd Sunday Workings in Sunderland, there is also the 38C isn't there.
(07 Jun 2014, 7:49 pm)Dan Just hope the weather's good for you if you're planning going down to the beach! I see rain showers on the forecast from 12!
(07 Jun 2014, 7:49 pm)Dan Just hope the weather's good for you if you're planning going down to the beach! I see rain showers on the forecast from 12!
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