Created 17-Sep-11
Modified 8-Mar-24
These services were introduced with bus service deregulation, but commenced on 27th October 1986 as there was no Sunday service. Dennis's coaches was a new operator to stage carriage work as well as the Saddleworth area, but in my experience they ran a very reliable service. Dennis's subsequently expanded that side of the business significantly until they were taken over by Stagecoach in 2005.
The two services numbers served to distinguish buses using either Stockport Road (341) or Carrhill Road (342) to approach Mossley from Haddens. Sadly, this distinction has subsequently been lost and timetables for buses serving that area have been very confusing.
The service originally ran from Uppermill, through Grasscroft to Mossley, thence taking the direct road (the "Barracks Road") to Ashton. It was soon extended to serve the Asda store just north of Ashton.
It then settled down to a fairly quiet existence, until service revisions from 8th May 1988 saw the Uppermill to Mossley section covered by a revitalised 353. The road from Mossley to Ashton was already sufficiently well-served and no replacement was needed for that section.
The 341 and 342 were always worked by Dennis's, mainly with minibuses. As can be seen though, larger vehicles did appear giving at least a very comfortable ride. The mixture of vehicles does not reflect the actual operating mix - if something unusual appeared I would generally make an effort to photograph it!
© David Beilby
