When Stroud's buses were green (and even red)
History of Stroud's Buses
1920s
A unique set of circumstances enabled the National Steam Car Co Ltd to establish its first outpost in the west - at Stroud - in December 1919. Its arrival brought an accelerated development of Stroud's bus network. Adjacent territorial company Bristol Tramways became nervous at the prospect of this potentially dangerous newcomer. Tramways succeeded in frustrating National but even so, National reached Cheltenham, though here the necessary licenses were initially illusive.
National did not enjoy a monopoly. In spite of National acquiring some of its competitors, competition was as fierce as it had been anywhere in Britain. This was especially so between National and N D Reyne's popular Red Bus. Reyne - pronounced Reen-ee - had a knack of forging a business that served its customers well.
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