Secretary of Cam and Dursley Transportation Group David Smith writes about the group’s annual general meeting held last Saturday, August 3.

Mr Smith said: “Stagecoach West Managers, in their talk, informed us they intended the new Sunday 65 bus service starting 1 September to run every two hours.

“The Berkeley Vale Robin On-Demand bus service was praised by those at the meeting.  

“I noted, on checking the GCC list of places served, that several communities in Stroud District are not served by the Robin - include Frampton on Severn, Arlingham, Saul and Epney.

“There were many unfavourable comments about the poor bus services and connections in the Wotton-under-Edge and Berkeley area. 

“The across county-boundary services towards Yate and Bristol were a particular problem.

“The meeting was well attended. The current transportation group officers were re-elected.  

“Chris Hanson (Stagecoach West MD) and James Regalado Heaney (Commercial Manager) updated us on their plans. 

“They spoke about driver recruitment and training, including improved customer service. 

“Several in the meeting complimented the managers on the drivers' friendliness and their helpful attitude. 

“Newer buses were promised for the 65 service. 

“This was followed by questions and discussion covering the Stagecoach services and other operator services.

"This lasted about an hour.”