New to Transdev - Lancashire United(1878), in 08/2012, this Volvo is seen here departing from Warrington Interchange, on a lovely 13/03/2024. It is operating in Service X5 10:52 Manchester Airport Bus Station - Manchester Airport World Freight Terminal - Hale Barns - Altrincham Interchange - Bowdon Vale - Little Bollington - Broomedge - Lymm Cross - Lymm Church - Statham - Thelwall - Grappenhall - Latchford Kwick Save - Latchford Park Avenue - Warrington Bank Quay Station - Warrington Bus Interchange. This service has been replaced in part, from 05/01/2025, by new 5A service from Lymm Cross to Warrington, running every 30 minutes and providing access from the TfgM Bee Network at Lymm Cross. The remaining part of the X5 route from Manchester Airport to Lymm was replaced by Bee Network 279 service from Altrincham to Lymm Cross, via Broomedge, and Higher Lane, which in effect is not all of the former X5 service as the 279 is a Lymm circular. It is Service 288 was re-introduced from Altrincham Interchange to Manchester Airport, thus replacing that section of the X5, Under Tranche 3 of bee Network which began on 05/05/2025. The 288 is operated by Rotala - Diamond Bus (North West), under Bee Network, so really the good people of Warrington can use Service 5 to Altrincham, then the 279 to the airport or vice-versa. I hope all that makes sense. Any complaints to Warrington's Own Buses, and Andy Burnham for Bee Network!
There are now electric Volvo BZL single and single and double-deckers in service with more due for Warrington, the arms length operated municipal operator, which obtained with ZEBRA funding. A new depot has been constructed on Dallam Lane to house these electrics with the intention of replacing all of the diesel buses. As it stands at this moment in time, it is a mixed bag of a fleet although this B7RLE is one of the casualties of probably both events! © Peter Steel 2024.
Tags: BD12TDX
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New to Lothian Buses(143), in 05/2007, this smart Volvo is seen here in Altrincham Interchange on a lovely 19/06/2024. It is operating a Show Shuttle 3 11:00 departure to the Royal Cheshire County Show, at the Royal Cheshire County Showground, Clay House Farm, Tabley, Knutsford, on behalf of Ansa Transport, Middlewich. A journey time of around 30 mins. © Peter Steel 2024.
Tags: SK07CFU
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A contrast in age, design, and stages of restoration are seen here on display at Rowsley South Station, during the Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity Rally & Running Day at Peak Rail's H.Q., on 16/06/2024. On the left, facing the camera, and undergoing restoration is former First Manchester, 66921, MX55FGO, a Wright Eclipse Urban bodied Volvo B7RLE. New to First Manchester(66921), in 10/2005, this B7RLE became Stagecoach Manchester(Greater Manchester West)(21242), on 02/12/2012, when First's Wigan depot passed to Stagecoach Manchester after First Manchester had pulled out of the Wigan area. It was latterly with the now closed MP Travel Group, Warrington. Alongside is preserved Midland Red, 5185, 5185HA, a Willowbrook bodied Leyland Leopard PSU3/4R. This immaculate Leopard, preserved in 'NBC' Poppy Red livery is a credit to its owners and has undergone extensive, and no doubt expensive restoration. It was new to the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company(BMMO), in 06/1963, who traded as Midland Red. The Smethwick issued 'HA' registration letters becoming synonymous with BMMO/Midland Red. © Peter Steel 2024.
Tags: 5185HA MX55FGO
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New to First Manchester(66921), in 10/2005, this B7RLE became Stagecoach Manchester(Greater Manchester West)(21242), on 02/12/2012, when First's Wigan depot passed to Stagecoach Manchester after First Manchester had pulled out of the Wigan area. It was latterly with the now closed MP Travel Group, Warrington. It is seen here on display at Rowsley South Station, during the Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity Rally & Running Day at Peak Rail's H.Q., on 16/06/2024. © Peter Steel 2024.
Tags: MX55FGO
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New to First Hampshire & Dorset, in 10/2013, for the Eclipse Gosport - Fareham Rapid Bus network, this smart B7RLE was among a number of the type received by First Manchester, from other operators, for Bee Network services, however this one arrived in 2022. It is seen here at Rochdale Interchange, on 15/05/2024. Looking very smart here, this Volvo has since moved to First South Yorkshire for the Sheffield Olive Grove depot. You could say money well spent on the repaint by TfGM! First Manchester lost their Oldham depot to Stagecoach Manchester under Tranche 2 of Bee Network but gained the Rochdale depot of Transdev - Rosso. © Peter Steel 2024.
Tags: BF63HDO
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