The uncertainty began the moment I stepped outside the front door. The first service of the day was the 22 between West Kirby (Wirral) and Chester operated by Al’s: they lost the Happy a few years ago. The problem with this service is that early running is the norm rather than the exception and is linked to how long and how frequent the drivers like for a cigarette break. Unfortunately, speed and driving style also leave a lot to be desired. Previous experience had shown that the three-minute connection with the Traws Cymru service at Chester bus station was possible. But, the best laid plans……….
Today the
bus came along on time (Optare Metrocity V1010MC B36F, ex New Adventure Travel),
the journey was sedate and by the time we arrived in Chester, with a full load
of passengers, we were seven minutes late. As the bus pulled into the bus
station, the driver of the service into Wales gave our driver a cheery wave, and
that was the connection gone. However, I had a plan B, by the time I strolled
around the bus station concourse, waiting on the same stand as the bus I had
just missed, was an Arriva X30 heading for Warrington and the opportunity to
look at the new Volvo BZL/MCV electrics. The bus was standard Arriva DAF/Wright
for the 1hr 22mins journey to Warrington via Frodsham and Runcorn. Saturday
running times leave plenty of slack and there was time to admire Frodsham
farmers market before circumnavigating the Runcorn Busway, a road system that
always confuses me. We travelled at a leisurely pace, arriving a few minutes
early into the modern Warrington bus station, with its adjoining large indoor
shopping centre. At first glance, things did not look hopeful, only one
electric bus and that was parked up, out of service. But first-things-first,
lunch and loo.
What a
difference a day makes: sorry wrong song. Thirty-minutes later and there was a
sea of yellow in the bus station, with the electrics coming and going on
several routes. Time for a ride, as befits the developing theme of the day,
whatever comes in next will be the bus to board. As luck would have it, it
turned out to be a 32 to Widnes Market, a convenient location for an onward service
to Liverpool. The Volvo BZL did not disappoint, with a pleasant interior, well-spaced
seats and clear audio-visual presentation and no intrusive rattles. The driver,
whilst professional, was very keen to take advantage of the rapid, smooth acceleration,
and on corners, there was a sensation that the bus was compensating for all the
weight in the roof by somehow forcing itself into an upright stance. Not an
unpleasant sensation, just unusual. The 32 proved an interesting route with
plenty of variation over its short distance. Passing through traditional
housing alongside the Old Liverpool Road, before a short sprint on a dual-carriageway
and a one-way circuit of Penketh village which the audio-visual informed us was
a hail and ride area. The final section was a tour of two large housing estates
before entering Widnes via the old high street and finally the new edge of town
shopping centre. Objective achieved and we arrived at Widnes. As per the theme
of the day, whatever Liverpool bound service comes along first, I will jump on.
It turns
out to be an 82A, operated by Arriva. Taking 1hr 18min, the route heads out of
Widnes through two housing estates before hitting open countryside, passing
through the villages of Halebank and Hale. Just a few yards after leaving the
conservation village of Hale is the perimeter fence of Liverpool John Lennon
Airport and it was a strange sight to be confronted by an Airbus A320 taxing to
the end of the runway, ready for take-off. Before reaching the airport proper, there
was the delight of Speke, a large housing estate that you would not want to
linger in. The bus entered the airport via a back gate, requiring permission
from security to pass through two barriers, with warning signs on the roadside telling
drivers of financial penalties if they stop on the road. Plenty of time to
spare at the airport bus station with the driver inviting any passengers who
fancied a smoke to join him on the concourse. The final stretch of the bus
journey started with a drive through the rundown area of Garston before turning
onto the A561 for a long start/stop drag towards the city centre and into Liverpool
One Bus Station.
After all
that sitting down, a chance to stretch the legs, with an enjoyable walk along
the waterfront before heading across the city centre to Sir Thomas Street and
the final bus of the day. It was a case of boarding either the 471 or 472
whichever came along first. However the primary objective was to achieve a
front seat on the top deck, this being the first double-decker of the day and
enjoy the ride through the Mersey Tunnel. On weekdays this is not a problem
because the services start at Cook Street, a quieter stop at the top of town,
but at weekends the services turns short and boarding becomes a scramble. As
luck would have it a 471 is the first bus to come along and one hour later it
delivered me to the same stop I departed from eight hours earlier.
Phew, must
be wine time.
