When Stroud's buses were green (and even red)
History of Stroud's Buses
1900-1919
Stroud actually came very close to having its own road-based tram system and the proposals alone were enough for the GWR to introduce an improved local rail service. However, it was not till 1904 that the GWR announced it would introduce motor omnibuses, the first service being to Painswick in 1905. GWR's was not the only application, however, and neither were the necessary licenses a foregone conclusion.
In spite of the numbers travelling by GWR omnibus and the importance of the service to both Painswick and Stroud, the existing Stroud-Painswick horse bus operator continued and even flourished at this time, against all local predictions.
The GWR was joined by others, all of whom were local in nature. One of the most important was Arnold, with a service between the towns of Nailsworth and Stroud and, later, to Avening. More convenient than the local Nailsworth rail service, some of Arnold's journeys connected with GWR trains.
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