The History of the 346
From Tram to Stagecoach [Manchester] (Page 1)
Contents:
Introduction
A dependable workhorse since 1905, today's 346 route has fulfilled the same purpose as the tram did in 1905. That is the carriage of passengers from Ashton-under-Lyne to Dukinfield uphill towards the Astley Arms.
The history of this route goes further than the Albion Hotel and also includes reference to its now sister route to Carrbrook, the 348.
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346: Ashton - Dukinfield (Albion Hotel) - Hyde - Gee Cross
- 1905: Originally SHMD tram route from Dukinfield (Albion Hotel) to Ashton-under-Lyne (Pitt and Nelson) interworking with Stalybridge (Acres Lane);
- 1928: Converted to motorbus operation;
- 1950s - 1973: Operated from Newton to Stalybridge (Brushes Estate) as 11 and 11A routes. Ashton terminus moves to St. Michael's Square;
- 1963: Opening of Ashton Bus Station;
- 1968: Services 154, 154A, 11 and 11A move from St. Michael's Square terminus to Ashton bus station;
- 1973: Renumbered 346, operating between Ashton and Newton (Lodge Street). Ashton - Brushes Estate section renumbered 341;
- 1978: Extended to Hyde via Talbot Road and Shaw Hall Estate replacing 350 and 351 services (former SHMD 15 and 15A routes);
- 1979 - 1986: One journey an hour extended to Droylsden via Littlemoss;
- 1980: 341 service renumbered 351. 350 allocated to Ashton - Mossley (Hey Farm) 217 route;
- 1990 - 1994: Competition: Pennine Blue runs rival service to GM Buses;
- 1999: 33 and 35 (renumbered from 351) pull out of Park Road in favour of Albion Hotel;
- 2001: Stagecoach Manchester route extended to Gee Cross;
- 2001: Park Road sees final bus service after 96 years of public transport operations;
- 2007: 349 (renumbered from 33 and 35, August 1999) withdrawn, replaced by extra 348 (formerly 32 and 34) journeys;
- 2008: Bank Holiday journeys reinstated by Stagecoach Manchester after 9 years.
Operators since 1905 (11/11A/346 routes)
- 1905 - 1969: SHMD Joint Board (Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Joint Board);
- 1969 - 1974: SELNEC (Southern Division);
- 1974 - 1986: Greater Manchester Transport;
- 1986 - 1993: GM Buses;
- 1990 - 1994: Pennine Blue;
- 1992: Stuart's Bus and Coach (Bank Holiday services only);
- 1992: Red Rider (one early morning journey to Ashton-under-Lyne);
- 1993 - 1996: GM Buses South;
- 1994 - 2000: Pennine/First Pennine;
- 1996 - to date: Stagecoach Manchester;
- 2000 - 2005: First Manchester;
- 2001 - 2003: JP Travel (one early morning journey to Ashton-under-Lyne);
- 2001 - to date: Checkmate Coaches (Monday - Sunday evening journeys)
- 2005 - to date: First Pioneer.
