In my role of 'Better Buses Campaigner' I met with Alan Barrett, urban transport manager, at Gloucestershire County Council on February 24. We discussed the countys role regarding possible local bus cuts, community transport roles, ongoing consultation with the public and the unacceptable frequency of broken down buses.

Ancient broken down buses cause passengers to miss their job shifts, miss hospital appointments, funerals and train journeys to name but a few. Once on a bus that is actually able to move the joy is shortlived as you cannot see out of filthy windows or feel safe from noro virus sitting in often sticky, dirty seating.

The passengers are united in stoic affirmation that although we are glad we still have a service, the service is sub substandard and also not fair on the drivers. I congratulate the drivers who picketed on March 18 about their pay deal.

On behalf of beleaguered bus users in the Dean I asked Mr Barrett to be our representative from Shire Hall and talk to the management of Stagecoach Buses and identify a positive move forward towards improvements.

Alan said that the county's transport budget has to be reduced from approximately £4m to £2m by 2014.

"We will continue to meet targets regarding essential services – including work, education, health, essential shopping. I will be consulting with the public in all areas over this year to identify a range of options regarding local transport. It has been registered for instance that the route 73 along the A48 Lydney to Gloucester will merge with the route 71 forming a new service route 23. This will not affect the existing 73 journey route," he said.

Mr Barrett also said that he recognises and appreciates that where commercial bus companies provide services they need to provide reliable and to standard buses. He has two monthly meetings with Stagecoach and also strategic meetings. Mr. Barrett has already brought up the concerns voiced by passengers using the 73 route and other Forest routes. I would remind everyone that the government has no statutory duty to provide transport services, tenders are made by commercially and privately run organisations.

I spoke to a Stagecoach spokesperson who said that the county will be having 25 new buses added to the fleet. There will be a "cascade" of stock from the routes that get a new bus. It is hoped that some routes will therefore see improvements (no promises there)!

 When I spoke with Louise Curry (Lyd­ney) and Lyn Mayo (New­ent)  Dial A Ride Com­munity Transport  they both confirmed that they have or will be tendering under Section 22 of their constitution to run 16 seater mini-buses for passenger services. Their grant has been cut by 30 per cent over the next three years. Lyn confirmed they are already running a bus service from Newent.

Lousie said that because of their grant cuts Dial A Ride will be looking at all options in order to make money and continue offering their excellent service.

As a Dial A  Ride user I praise this mostly voluntary led community service. It is what Mr. Cameron classifies as a 'Big Society' effort. Cutting an organisation's funding like this and also Citizen Advice Bureau does not, however, add up to joined up thinking. Transport in rural areas is the hardest hit. People need to travel longer distances and journeys take more time than in urban areas. We want better bus services in the Forest of Dean. The fares are going up again soon..  I do not believe that more money should be given to town rather than country.

– Sue Dubois, Newnham.