Merseyside's Transport http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/ 26 rows en-gb 60 >>>>***N E W U P L O A D S***<<<< http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1650424.html All new uploads are placed in this gallery for ease of finding them. Once they have become established after a few weeks or so they will be moved to th relevent album. Sunday 8 February 2009: All new uploads are placed in this gallery for ease of finding them. Once they have become established after a few weeks or so they will be moved to th relevent album.

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]]> Sun Feb 8 2009 Village Group http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1540733.html Village were another South Liverpool operator using a mish mash motley selection of secondhand buses from various sources. Leyland Titans were later standardised on until they were aquired by MTL trust holdings in the 1990s Monday 7 July 2008: Village were another South Liverpool operator using a mish mash motley selection of secondhand buses from various sources. Leyland Titans were later standardised on until they were aquired by MTL trust holdings in the 1990s

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]]> Mon Jul 7 2008 Mersey Rider http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1540732.html Mersey Rider was MTL's low cost unit being based at the former PTE Speke garage, which was reopened to house the fleet. The operation used several different liveries at first before the MTL corporate style was introduced. Mersey Rider was disbanded after Garston garage closed and that garages work was moved to Speke. Monday 7 July 2008: Mersey Rider was MTL's low cost unit being based at the former PTE Speke garage, which was reopened to house the fleet. The operation used several different liveries at first before the MTL corporate style was introduced. Mersey Rider was disbanded after Garston garage closed and that garages work was moved to Speke.

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]]> Mon Jul 7 2008 Citybus http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1540731.html Citybus were a South Liverpool operator who operated a small fleet of Leyland Nationals and Lynxes on the hotly contested routes from the City Centre through to Speke and Garston. They fell to the wayside in the late 90s. Monday 7 July 2008: Citybus were a South Liverpool operator who operated a small fleet of Leyland Nationals and Lynxes on the hotly contested routes from the City Centre through to Speke and Garston. They fell to the wayside in the late 90s.

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]]> Mon Jul 7 2008 GTL - Glenvale Transport http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1540730.html Glenvale Transport, or GTL was created from the ruling that forced Arriva to sell the operations at Gillmoss depot by the MMC. It was decided that Arriva had too much of a share of the spoils in Merseyside and thus this new operation was formed, consisting mainly of ex London Titans and Metrobuses, though a number of ex Merseybus B6s were operated for a short spell. Livery was the former MTL red and cream which started to look shabby after a while as the fleet was run down, coupled to an elderly fleet and poor maintainance the traffic commisioners soon pounced, cutting GTLs licence. The aquasition of neighbouring CMT Buses brought the age profile of the fleet down but the writing was allready on the wall for the company. A fleet of ex Stagecoach Darts were aquired and a livery change to CMTs allover red to spruce the image of the fleet up but to no avail and the operation was swallowed up by Stagecoach, who ironically, ended up back with the Darts they had originally disposed of! Sunday 6 July 2008: Glenvale Transport, or GTL was created from the ruling that forced Arriva to sell the operations at Gillmoss depot by the MMC. It was decided that Arriva had too much of a share of the spoils in Merseyside and thus this new operation was formed, consisting mainly of ex London Titans and Metrobuses, though a number of ex Merseybus B6s were operated for a short spell. Livery was the former MTL red and cream which started to look shabby after a while as the fleet was run down, coupled to an elderly fleet and poor maintainance the traffic commisioners soon pounced, cutting GTLs licence. The aquasition of neighbouring CMT Buses brought the age profile of the fleet down but the writing was allready on the wall for the company. A fleet of ex Stagecoach Darts were aquired and a livery change to CMTs allover red to spruce the image of the fleet up but to no avail and the operation was swallowed up by Stagecoach, who ironically, ended up back with the Darts they had originally disposed of!

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]]> Sun Jul 6 2008 Merseyline http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1517292.html Merseyline Travel were a Speke based company, running services to the South of Liverpool. After starting with Fleetlines from West Midlands, examples from Greater Manchester arrived along with Metrobuses from the same source and Lynxes that were new to Halton. The company ended up running the good old Merseyside stalwart, the former London Titan (one of which is preserved in LT colours), and these remained until the operator succombed to Arriva. Monday 26 May 2008: Merseyline Travel were a Speke based company, running services to the South of Liverpool. After starting with Fleetlines from West Midlands, examples from Greater Manchester arrived along with Metrobuses from the same source and Lynxes that were new to Halton. The company ended up running the good old Merseyside stalwart, the former London Titan (one of which is preserved in LT colours), and these remained until the operator succombed to Arriva.

Former Halton leyland Lynx II J249KWM seen on Mann Island operating with Merseyline of Garston.

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]]> Mon May 26 2008 Arriva Merseyside & North West http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1516098.html Arriva first started operating buses on Merseyside under the 'Serving the North West' name, which was carried by vehicles that had operated for North Western and Liverline. When MTL succombed to the might of Arriva, the 'Serving Merseyside' name was addopted, but only to buses that were operated by MTL. For simplicity, both fleets are in the one gallery. Gillmoss depot passed to Arriva but was ordered to be sold by the MMC after a period of some 18 months. This later passed to Glenvale (GTL) who continued to operate in MTLs old red and cream colours. Saturday 24 May 2008: Arriva first started operating buses on Merseyside under the 'Serving the North West' name, which was carried by vehicles that had operated for North Western and Liverline. When MTL succombed to the might of Arriva, the 'Serving Merseyside' name was addopted, but only to buses that were operated by MTL. For simplicity, both fleets are in the one gallery. Gillmoss depot passed to Arriva but was ordered to be sold by the MMC after a period of some 18 months. This later passed to Glenvale (GTL) who continued to operate in MTLs old red and cream colours.

Arriva 2638 shows off its Capital of Culture vinyls to good effect at Mann Island.

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]]> Sat May 24 2008 Halton Transport http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1482747.html Halton Transport cover Widnes and Runcorn, and although a Cheshire company, operate several frequent services into Liverpool and Merseyside. The undertaking is still council owned and was formed in 1974 with local government reorganisation, prior to then it was "Widnes Corporation" A fleet of Nationals and Lynxes was operated but now front line services are operated by low floor single deckers, though a handfull of Lynxes are retained for schools contracts, which occasionally see normal stage service. Famous for operating the very last Leyland National (and three eyed fish....but thats another story!) Friday 28 March 2008: Halton Transport cover Widnes and Runcorn, and although a Cheshire company, operate several frequent services into Liverpool and Merseyside. The undertaking is still council owned and was formed in 1974 with local government reorganisation, prior to then it was "Widnes Corporation" A fleet of Nationals and Lynxes was operated but now front line services are operated by low floor single deckers, though a handfull of Lynxes are retained for schools contracts, which occasionally see normal stage service. Famous for operating the very last Leyland National (and three eyed fish....but thats another story!)

Leyland Lynx 50 H543FWM heads back to its home down on Hood Street Gyratory in the early 90s Lynx II leaves Liverpool bound for Runcorn. The top of the Catholic Cathedral can be seen behind. Halton 8 was a Leyland Leopard with unusual East Lancashire coach bodywork. One of two, both were rebodied as 52 seat service buses by East Lancashire in 1982.

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]]> Fri Mar 28 2008 CMT Buses http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1480327.html CMT was another one of Merseysides more successful post D-Regulation operators. Using a fleet that comprised almost entirely of Leyland Nationals from the start in an allover red livery, later on these Nationals would be replaced by a mixture of secondhand Leyland Lynxes and new step entrance and low floor Volvos with Wright bodywork. The business was taken over by Glenvale (GTL), though the red livery was addopted, which in turn was taken over by Stagecoach a couple of years ago, thus CMTs later deliveries can still be seen in Liverpool but in the "beachball" livery of Stagecoach. Monday 24 March 2008: CMT was another one of Merseysides more successful post D-Regulation operators. Using a fleet that comprised almost entirely of Leyland Nationals from the start in an allover red livery, later on these Nationals would be replaced by a mixture of secondhand Leyland Lynxes and new step entrance and low floor Volvos with Wright bodywork. The business was taken over by Glenvale (GTL), though the red livery was addopted, which in turn was taken over by Stagecoach a couple of years ago, thus CMTs later deliveries can still be seen in Liverpool but in the "beachball" livery of Stagecoach.

National 1038 came to CMT from Wigan Bus Company but had been new to Greater Glasgow PTE (Strathclyde) in 1979 Could this bus see into the future ? Yes, if its National 1064, which was new to Southdown, is seen here on layover at Mann Island, circa 1995. This bus kept its dual door layout but with the centre exit out of use. National 1064, which was new to Southdown, is seen here on layover at Mann Island, circa 1995. This bus kept its dual door layout but with the centre exit out of use.

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]]> Mon Mar 24 2008 MTL North http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1398571.html In the mid 90s MTL restructured yet again and the name MTL North applied to its vehicles, though keeping the red and ivory livery. Tuesday 30 October 2007: In the mid 90s MTL restructured yet again and the name MTL North applied to its vehicles, though keeping the red and ivory livery.

The former Liverbus 102, by now 6902 in the MTL fleet following the takeover displys its new fleetnames at Mann Island Former London Buses T50 WYV50T at Mann Island

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]]> Tue Oct 30 2007 Woodvale Rally 2007 http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1345565.html This years Woodvale rally was held over the weekend of 4th and 5th of August and again park and ride transport was provided by the MTT. Sunday was the busier of the two day event but Saturday had the surprise visit of the one and only Mr Edge Lane himself in person!!! A big thanks to all who participated, it was a fantastic effort and an enjoyable day was had by all. Saturday 11 August 2007: This years Woodvale rally was held over the weekend of 4th and 5th of August and again park and ride transport was provided by the MTT. Sunday was the busier of the two day event but Saturday had the surprise visit of the one and only Mr Edge Lane himself in person!!! A big thanks to all who participated, it was a fantastic effort and an enjoyable day was had by all.

Side view of L835. Terry Morris's post D-reg liveried 1003 made an appearance on the Sunday. Oi!!!!! Rigby get yer head in.....Its a bus not a cattle truck!!! 1836 waits to leave on another trip as the rally was winding down on the Sunday. Verona Green Rules......OK National II 6036. One word says it all.....BEAST! 1003 is passed by A267 before leaving on another trip, masquerading as a 450 to New Brighton. Big Issue Sir ???? L835 storms up the taxiway whilst working P&R L835 made her first public appearance for 17 years at Woodvale, having ben painstakingly restored over this time by the MTTs members. She looks superb and is an absolute credit to the vollunteers who have worked on her. Well done lads. The line up on the Sunday before we made our way back down to Burscough. L501 was there in spirit

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]]> Sat Aug 11 2007 Liverline http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1334486.html Liverline was founded in March 1988 by three former PTE staff. The operation started that April with ten Ex Strathclyde Atlanteans, though they were aquired from Kentish Bus with one fifteen minute service from the City centre to Speke (32). The operation quickly expanded and was taken over by British Bus in the early 90s and placed under North Western control using that concerns livery but with Liverbus colours. Friday 27 July 2007: Liverline was founded in March 1988 by three former PTE staff. The operation started that April with ten Ex Strathclyde Atlanteans, though they were aquired from Kentish Bus with one fifteen minute service from the City centre to Speke (32). The operation quickly expanded and was taken over by British Bus in the early 90s and placed under North Western control using that concerns livery but with Liverbus colours.

Former Strathclyde Atlantean MDS708P seen here in the late 80s/early 90s Former London Country Atlantean / Park Royal at the Central bus stn carrying North Western style livery in July 1994 Former Amberline Fleetline (New to West Midlands PTE)765, still in Amberline colours but with Liverline front seen in the city centre in the summer of 1994 Liverline GDM996X seen in the City centre after rebodying with a new Willowbrook Warrior service bus body, it was previously a coach with a Duple body. Liverline GDM996X seen in its original form with Duple coachwork and masquerading as the Liverliner. This vehicle was later rebodied as a service bus with a new Willowbrook Warrior body,

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]]> Fri Jul 27 2007 Liverbus http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1331896.html Liverbus was another one of the bigger Merseyside Independents, who like Fareway standardised on the GM standard for vehicles, though taking Atlanteans as opposed to Fareways Fleetlines. Again this operator finally succomed to the mighty MTL, though fleetnames were retained for a while on corporate MTL livery Monday 23 July 2007: Liverbus was another one of the bigger Merseyside Independents, who like Fareway standardised on the GM standard for vehicles, though taking Atlanteans as opposed to Fareways Fleetlines. Again this operator finally succomed to the mighty MTL, though fleetnames were retained for a while on corporate MTL livery

Its Echo time!!!!! The former GM 7752, by now 35 in the Liverbus fleet is seen on Pilch Lane, Huyton early one morning in July 1993. 43 carrying Best Seller ad livery. 23 July 1994 Get your sunglasses out for this one!!! 49 glows in the city centre. North Western had two Olympians in this scheme but there's were more restrained.

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]]> Mon Jul 23 2007 Fareway http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1306808.html Fareway was started up at D-Regulation in 1986 by a consortium of ex MPTE drivers who had opposed the new transport act. The fleet started with ex PTE VRs and Manchester Fleetlines but after a couple of years Olympians were bought new. After nearly ten years operation the company was bought by MTL in the mid 90s Monday 18 June 2007: Fareway was started up at D-Regulation in 1986 by a consortium of ex MPTE drivers who had opposed the new transport act. The fleet started with ex PTE VRs and Manchester Fleetlines but after a couple of years Olympians were bought new. After nearly ten years operation the company was bought by MTL in the mid 90s

Fleetline 0385 stands at Mann Island in the summer of 1994 Former Busways Fleetline 0395 stands at Fareways Kirkby premises carrying MTL corporate livery style with MTL Fareway names. One time Merseyside PTE 2169, Fareway 102 an East Lancs bodied Bristol VR heads through Walton back towards the City Centre in August 1993. GM Standard 122 hurtles round Hood Street Gyratory. Former Manchester Fleetline 176 at Mann Island. This bus was no stranger to Liverpool in its GM days as it was new to Lancashire United and would have seen service on the 39s when based at Atherton depot Fareway Olympian 160 F439AKB stands at the companys yard at Kirkby fresh from repaint into MTL corporate livery.

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]]> Mon Jun 18 2007 Merseyside in Preservation http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1288764.html A gallery dedicated to buses preserved that served Merseyside and not necesarilly from the PTE fleet. A former Manchester standard is currently being worked on that will appear restored in GM Buses South Birkenhead and District livery. Sunday 27 May 2007: A gallery dedicated to buses preserved that served Merseyside and not necesarilly from the PTE fleet. A former Manchester standard is currently being worked on that will appear restored in GM Buses South Birkenhead and District livery.

1055 posed on the driveway leaving Speke Hall 1055 on the driveway to Speke Hall Atlantean 1055 sat outside Liverpool John Lennon Airport 1055 takes a rest in Arriva Merseyside's Speke depot An offside view of 1055 at Speke Hall 1689 seen at Heaton Park, Manchester in September 1999. GM Buses (South) Birkenhead & District liveried Fleetline 4144 posed outside Trebaron Garden Centre, Newton on the evening of 31 November 2007.

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]]> Sun May 27 2007 North Western http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1274049.html North Western was created in 1986 as Ribble was deemed to big to privatise as one unit. The Merseyside operation of Ribble was handed over to the new company and a bold new livery was devised. Monday 7 May 2007: North Western was created in 1986 as Ribble was deemed to big to privatise as one unit. The Merseyside operation of Ribble was handed over to the new company and a bold new livery was devised.

Northwestern (all one word) Dennis Dart 152 at Bootle Strand

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]]> Mon May 7 2007 Southport http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1266793.html Merseybus's Southport operation was rebranded in the early 90s. This move pleased many people as it gave a more local feel to the buses, the town coat of arms was also reintroduced to the sides of vehicles. Sunday 29 April 2007: Merseybus's Southport operation was rebranded in the early 90s. This move pleased many people as it gave a more local feel to the buses, the town coat of arms was also reintroduced to the sides of vehicles.

Atlantean 1986 carrying an overall ad for M&S Ford National II, 6127 by the station in southport 7209 taken when pensioners could board and alight step entrance buses without whingeing about it.

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]]> Sun Apr 29 2007 Ex Merseyside Buses http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1256756.html A number of buses after sale by Merseyside went on to ply their trade with operators elsewhere. This collection shows the buses with their new owners. Sunday 15 April 2007: A number of buses after sale by Merseyside went on to ply their trade with operators elsewhere. This collection shows the buses with their new owners.

The former 1917 posed by the Plantation Gates in Wigan, a location that was used by Northern Counties for publicity photographs. It was returning from the rear engined rally held at the Commercial Vehicle Museum at Leyland. 1917 at Leyland at the rear engined rally in 2002. The former 3012 awaits its final fate in the yard of one of the Barnsley breakers 6008 was the only National aquired by GMN that never entered service.It did a few stints with the training school but was quickley withdrawn, still in MTL livery though with the fleetnames removed. The former 6095, 195 with GMN stands at the rear of Atherton depot awiting collection by the Barnsley breakers Former Liverpool Atlantean is seen sat outside its new owners depot in 1981 The former 6064 seen working with Chase.

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]]> Sun Apr 15 2007 Lancashire Travel http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1254507.html Lancashire Travel was the new name for the St Helens operation when MTL rebranded in the early 90s. The name was also applied to buses aquired from Bolton Coachways and the Nationals that went to the Bolton base until they were aquired by GM Buses North. Thursday 12 April 2007: Lancashire Travel was the new name for the St Helens operation when MTL rebranded in the early 90s. The name was also applied to buses aquired from Bolton Coachways and the Nationals that went to the Bolton base until they were aquired by GM Buses North.

Alexander bodied MCW Metrobus heads back to St Helens through Leigh. 0255 heads out of Astley on Chaddock Lane heading towards Manchester. Olympian 0258 in typical British summer weather on Chaddock lane, Astley Ex Busways Fleetline/MCW at St Helens depot. Fleetlines were only briefly based here. 0815 heads towards Wigan through Bickershaw at the height of the 1055 turns onto Cannon St, Manchester bound for Leigh on a 62 service that mirrored GM Buses Norths 26 service. 3501leaves Leigh town centre in this 1994 view taken on King St. Unusually it has retained dual door layout after repaint. National II has an identity crisis on Leigh bus station. Lancashire Travel fleetnames with Merseybus in the blind, presumably Bolton hadn't been added. Olympian 0255 F255YTJ at Earlestown before it was pedestrianised. Lancashire Travel names are carried on Merseybus livery. St Helens based Volvo B10B 6502 makes its point in Bolton at the height of the bus war with GM Buses North. National II 6142 at Pendleton on the A6 with the junction of Frederick Road, once the HQ of Salford City Transport. Ex works MCW Metrobus 0818 waits time at Astley Straits. This was the day of the official Lancashire Travel rebranding though this one seems to have slipped through the net and remains fleetnameless. Recently delivered Volvo B10B is seen at Walkden, deep into GM Buses territory at the height of the mid 90s bus war. The 25 'F' registered Metrobuses were all transfered en masse to St Helens when rebranded Lancashire Travel. All entered works for a repaint and spruce up before they were sent, however not long after 0819 was sent back to Edge Lane central works with severe body problems and although it was rebuilt and re entered service, the curse of MCW had struck again. Lancashire Travel (Merseybus) Leyland Atlantean, 1063 a recent transfer to St Helens from Green Lane, stands at Astley Straits, deep into GM Buses territory in the summer of 1995. It is working a 34 service in direct competition with GM Buses well established 34 'Express' service from Manchester to Liverpool. GMs service utilised coach seated Olympians and Metrobuses which offered rather more comfort than a bus seated Atlantean with leaf spring suspension as opposed to full air on the Manchester offerings.

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]]> Thu Apr 12 2007 Edge Lane Works http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1253047.html The Aldenham of the North! A huge site that was the heart of the MPTE operation. When most big operators had done away with a central works Edge Lane soldiered on, albeit on a reduced scale. Buses from all over the network came here for major overhaul and repaint, the Titans were refurbished here and all the aquisitions first stop was the works. It was also the final resting place on Merseyside before the final journey to the Barnsley breakers, although some buses just came to be stripped without turning a revenue earning wheel on Merseyside. An enthusiasts paradise that gripped everybody that entered through the gates, some people were gripped so much by the place that they even claimed to work there when in fact they didn't! This gallery shows an insight to the works. Edge Lane R.I.P. Wednesday 11 April 2007: The Aldenham of the North! A huge site that was the heart of the MPTE operation. When most big operators had done away with a central works Edge Lane soldiered on, albeit on a reduced scale. Buses from all over the network came here for major overhaul and repaint, the Titans were refurbished here and all the aquisitions first stop was the works. It was also the final resting place on Merseyside before the final journey to the Barnsley breakers, although some buses just came to be stripped without turning a revenue earning wheel on Merseyside. An enthusiasts paradise that gripped everybody that entered through the gates, some people were gripped so much by the place that they even claimed to work there when in fact they didn't! This gallery shows an insight to the works. Edge Lane R.I.P.

Atlanteans 0682, ex Southport Ciorporation and 1805 at Edge Lane in the Training shed. 1501 suffers with a bit of a headache in the works yard. one of the imaginary employees offered to repair it in his lunch break but considering the bus's age the offer was kindly declined! T335 undergoes attention in the works.This bus carried RM plate 324CLT with South London and was given the mark JGH118X upon sale. T468 that had been aquired for spares kindly gave up its mark to this bus so as to keep all the Titans in one tidy batch 2398 fresh from the paint shop at Edge Lane The REAL KYV468X. The plates were transfered to 2335 which had carried 324CLT off an RM in London and was re-registered JGH118X prior to dispatch to Merseyside. The decision was taken to transfer 468s plate to 2335 so as to keep all the buses in sequence, thus two Titans have carried KYV468X. 1040 undergoes attention inside the works 1505 stands withdrawn at the rear of the works next to ex Newport Metrobus 77 JBO77W, yet to be repainted and numbered 3077 in the MTL fleet Atlantean 1532, a former Green Lane bus stands devoid of engine,wheels and most windows. I think it is safe to say she won't be carrying anymore passengers and her days of serving the people of Merseyside are well and truly over. Titan 2157 aquired for spares, sits in Edge Lane waiting the scrap man after all useful parts have been removed. Titan 2255 GYE255W is dwarfed by the sheer size of Edge Lane works. A truly awesome place. If you didn't work there you could always pretend that you did. It seems the place had that effect on some people! Titan 2338 converted to single door and refurbished internally waits for transfer to the paint shop where she will be masked, sprayed and returned to service at Gillmoss. Ex Ribble National 804 TRN804V, now 5204 awaits refurb and transfer to the Manchester operation. It had seen operation with the low cost Mersey Rider unit before entering the works. 6055 had been used as a trainer at Manchester still in Badgerline livery for a spell' It waits attention in the works before being put back to service once more. Unidentified National at the rear of the works. Can anyone help with the ID of this bus please. Northern Counties bodied Olympian 0202 is prepared for a repaint into the new corporate scheme at Edge Lane works. It would emerge with the new Wirral Peninsula names and sent back to Laird Street depot at Birkenhead. Lancashire Travel liveried 7001 stands forlornley at the rear of Edge Lane works in 1995. This is the famous Northern General Tynesider Bus(MCN30K/fn3000). it was converted in 1972 to the configuration that you see here by Northern as an experimental O.M.O Bus, it was originally a 1949 Leyland PD2/Orion, and was one of two such experiments, the other being a crash damaged Routemaster, called the Wearsider. It is seen here in Merseysides Edge Lane works yard, having been owned by Dave Forrests 'Blue Triangle operation that was taken over by MTL. The plan was to use it on Liverpool city tours and rename the beast the An unidentified Dennis Lancet / Duple Dominant stands at the back of Edge Lane works in 1995, its service days well and truly finished. One of a batch of ten, initially to replace former West Yorkshire Bristol LHs on the Toxteth circular. They led quite unremarkable lives being based at Southport and St Helens garages in later years. This was one of the first to succumb but the others soon followed as they were non standard in a fleet that was becoming pretty standardised. One of three Volvo B10Bs purchased with Alexanders 'Strider' body for comparison with the Wright Endurance body that was entering service in greater numbers at the same time. They were allocated to the Mersey Rider low cost unit that was centred on Speke depot in South Liverpool. The trio stayed at Speke throughout their working lives and have only recently been withdrawn under Arriva and are now part of the training fleet. Never the most reliable of buses were Leyland Panthers, however this example defied the scrap man and was retained by Merseyside and used in the ancillary fleet. It had been new to Southport corporation and passed to Merseyside in 1974 when that concern joined the PTE after local government reorganisation. It is seen here arriving at Edge Lane in the summer of 1996 and survives to this day with Merseybus's spiritual successor, Arriva, currently at Runcorn depot and in full Arriva livery and actually looks quite smart.

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]]> Wed Apr 11 2007 MTL Manchester http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1253033.html In the summer of 1993 british Bus and MPTE struck a deal which was to see Merseyside take over the Bee Line operation in Rochdale. That foundered at the last minute, and instead Merseyside set up its own operation in the area, MTL Manchester. GM Buses reacted by starting services in Liverpool competing head on with Merseybus. The sight of two former PTEs, who had worked together for so many years, engaged in tit-for-tat bus wars seemed to be the final ignominy in the brave new world of free market public transport. Wednesday 11 April 2007: In the summer of 1993 british Bus and MPTE struck a deal which was to see Merseyside take over the Bee Line operation in Rochdale. That foundered at the last minute, and instead Merseyside set up its own operation in the area, MTL Manchester. GM Buses reacted by starting services in Liverpool competing head on with Merseybus. The sight of two former PTEs, who had worked together for so many years, engaged in tit-for-tat bus wars seemed to be the final ignominy in the brave new world of free market public transport.

The end is nigh for former Blackburn Atlantean 1113 East Lancs Atlantean 1732 in the original MTL Manchester scheme before the corporate style livery was introduced 1741, also in the original livery not long after the Manchester operation started 1762 finds itself surrounded by GM Buses standard Atlanteans at Piccadilly Gardens By the time we left the yard 1765 had been confined to history and all that remained was mangled and twisted metal. Ex works and awaiting fleetnumbers, 6054 stands in the yard at Miles Platting, Manchester Rear shot of 7222 at Miles Platting, carrying route branding for the hotly contested 135/136 services from Manchester to Bury Former British Airways Leyalnd National GLP428T, still with its offside door, is seen at the Manchester premises whilst being used on training duties. It would later pass through Edge Lane and reapear as a single door service bus. 6033 in the resale yard at one of the Barnsley breakers. This bus still survives with Wigan Council and can be seen in the Leigh and Wigan areas. MTL Manchester was Merseyside Transports attack on GM Buses. The fleet started with Atlanteans and Nationals drafted in from the main fleet, however as the operation grew more buses were needed and soon Leyland Nationlas from the length and breadth of Britain appeared on Manchesters streets after passing through Liverpools Edge Lane works. This one, one of Merseysides own examples transfered in from St Helens and devoid of fleetnames stands in an eerily quiet City centre. Within twelve months of this photo being taken various

Published in Merseyside's Transport

]]> Wed Apr 11 2007 Merseyside PTE http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1252835.html This collection contains the buses of the Merseyside PTE, that was created by amalgamating the buses of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wallasey Corporations in 1969. St Helens and Southport were added later in 1974. Tuesday 10 April 2007: This collection contains the buses of the Merseyside PTE, that was created by amalgamating the buses of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Wallasey Corporations in 1969. St Helens and Southport were added later in 1974.

Rare willowbrook bodied Dennis Dominator at the Pier Head. This bus is now undergoing restoration by the Merseyside Transport Trust, details of which can be found by clicking on the MTT link on the right and side of the home page. Merseysides love affair with the Titan didn't start with the ex London examples. BCK706R was taken on extended hire in the 70s and gained full MPTE livery. It recieved fleet number 0029 for its stay. Here it is seen whilst still to dual door configuration. At some point during its stay on Merseyside it was converted to single door although wheather Leyland did this or Hodge Lane works is unknown. MPTE cancelled their Titan orders when the Park Royal factory ran into difficulty and continued to buy Atlanteans. 0035 was one of fifteen Dennis Dominators purchased for evaluation Before placing orders with Volvo for the Ailsa chassis, this Derby example with Marshall bodywork was hired and painted in full MPTE livery for a spell. It opeated on the Wirral division Unsuccesful buses were the Quest 80s as seen here by 0084 though they can claim to be the very first true low floor buses. 1003 seen not long after delivery. This Atlantean was the last bus delivered new to Wallasey, Seaview Rd garage and is preserved, in this same livery by Terry Morris. Atlantean 1011 when new by the Liver Buildings. 1070, the last atlantean seen on the test track at Leyland during the 90 year celebrations in 1986 The end of an Era. 1070 the last Atlantean new to the PTE, and indeed the last one for the home market seen not long after delivery. Atlantean 1326 carrying an overall advertisement for Johnstones Paints seen at the Pier Head 1383 at the Pier Head in July 1981 East Lancs Atlantean, 1822 carrying an all over advert for Matthew Brown Lion Bitter. Thanks to James Rowlands for the use of this slide. A line up of workhorses in PAR in the early 80s. 1896 and 1327 head the line up. A total of fifty Daimler Fleetlines with MCW bodies were operated by the PTE and all spent their lives on the Wirral. 3035 being the example shown here. Metro Scania 4001 looks a little worse for wear at Wallasey, Seaview Road garage in the early 80s National II 6039 at the Pier Head Former Southport 90 seen at Penketh, Warrington in the late 70s participating in a rally. Traditional Southport colours are carried, this being one of the buses painted in the PTEs constituant liveries to mark the 50th Anniversary of Edge Lane Works. Painted by a real employee not an imaginary one!!!!

Published in Merseyside's Transport

]]> Tue Apr 10 2007 Merseyrail Electrics http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1252510.html The Merseyrail Network is the only operation away from the former Southern Region that uses 750Vdc third rail pick up. Class 507 and 508 EMUs are employed, though four class 73 Locomotives were used for sandite and engineering duties. The 73s have now left the fleet for preservation elsewhere but the units still soldier on, most of which have been refurbished and facelifted. Tuesday 10 April 2007: The Merseyrail Network is the only operation away from the former Southern Region that uses 750Vdc third rail pick up. Class 507 and 508 EMUs are employed, though four class 73 Locomotives were used for sandite and engineering duties. The 73s have now left the fleet for preservation elsewhere but the units still soldier on, most of which have been refurbished and facelifted.

508139 arrives at Birkenhead North station on the Wirral line. A view of the TMD at Kirkdale with a couple of EMUs and stored 73003, still carrying faded BR large logo blue, complete with the 73901 stands at Birkenhead North TMD in January 2001

Published in Merseyside's Transport

]]> Tue Apr 10 2007 Ribble http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1251698.html Prior to D-Regulation in 1986 Ribble was a major NBC player on Merseyside (Crosville being the other). With the break up of NBC, the larger companies were forced to split and Ribble was no exception. The Merseyside operation brought the North Western name back into operation with a striking, if not to everybodys taste blue and red diagonaly applied livery. Monday 9 April 2007: Prior to D-Regulation in 1986 Ribble was a major NBC player on Merseyside (Crosville being the other). With the break up of NBC, the larger companies were forced to split and Ribble was no exception. The Merseyside operation brought the North Western name back into operation with a striking, if not to everybodys taste blue and red diagonaly applied livery.

Atlantean/PRV 1335 RTF646M at Mann Island in June 1981

Published in Merseyside's Transport

]]> Mon Apr 9 2007 Stagecoach Merseyside http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1250833.html Stagecoach came to the rescue of the Ageing GTL fleet, who themselves had taken over thriving Merseyside independant CMT Buses. Two depots are maintained at the former MPTE base at Gillmoss and the former CMT premises at Aintree, although the Aintree base is scheduled for closure. Sunday 8 April 2007: Stagecoach came to the rescue of the Ageing GTL fleet, who themselves had taken over thriving Merseyside independant CMT Buses. Two depots are maintained at the former MPTE base at Gillmoss and the former CMT premises at Aintree, although the Aintree base is scheduled for closure.

Published in Merseyside's Transport

]]> Sun Apr 8 2007 Merseybus http://merseysidestransport.fotopic.net/c1250788.html This collection is going to be BIG! Contains photos of Merseybus from its start at D-Reg in 86 up until the rebranding of the operation in the mid 90s Sunday 8 April 2007: This collection is going to be BIG! Contains photos of Merseybus from its start at D-Reg in 86 up until the rebranding of the operation in the mid 90s

Leyland Olympian 0236 at Garston Garage in 1995 One of Garstons finest machines, 0238 seen laying over at Liverpool central bus station on the 7th January 1995. Atlantean 1003 in the City Centre. This bus is preserved in original verona green and cream by Terry Morris and resides in the St Helens transport museum. The classic Merseyside workhorse, the Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean. 1010 basks in the summer sun at Green Lane in 1995. Atlantean 1028 at Garston in February 1995 Atlantean / Alexander AL 1029 stands in the now demolished Garston garage in February 1995. 1035 seen in Southport town centre in the August of 1993. Garston allocated Atlantean 1047 at the Airport at Speke in the summer of 1995 1049 a recent transfer to SH from GA seen at Bolton prior to the St Helens rebranding to Lancashire Travel 1054 seen at Bolton bus station at the height of the The last Atlantean 1070 posed outside Laird St Depot, Birkenhead in the mid 90s Trainer 1263 in reversed Merseybus livery at Southport 1314 takes a breather on Mann Island in the summer of 1994. 1314 seen at a rather damp Central bus station. 1329 pokes its nose out at Garston. 1464 over the pits at Garston. 1465 in Garston garage, sadly no longer with us. 1570 in St Helens masquerading as a Garston machine but actually operating from Green Lane What ever happened to the Likely Lads!!! 1847 was the rebuilt 1873 is seen here at Manchester Victoria working a rail replacement service Sisters 1938 and 1939 at Green Lane one early summers evening in 1995. Note 1938 has its fleet number plate higher than usual 1977 on a flower show shuttle in 1993 Ex London T59 now Merseybus 2059 after refurb and repaint into the new Merseybus livery (7 Jan 1995)

Published in Merseyside's Transport

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