(11 Jun 2016, 12:38 pm)Cock Robin wrote Exactly. Just noticed this thread and seen the negative comments. At least Stockton Council bother organizing one which is more than the other Tees Valley districts do. And always gets a good attendance. Having said that they can't do much constructive regarding the bus services as they just say they've got no money.

Today's was a bit of a farce however, with the operators sat in one room and the public in another, and the Stockton Council bloke attempting to type questions onto Twitter in less than so many digits. Seemed a bit of a cop out for the operators who weren't put on the spot as at previous forums.

That seems a bit of a strange 'layout', if you like? I've not known many public meetings where the 'top table' are segregated from the public. I hope it reverts for the next meeting.

I agree. I was sceptical when I'd first heard of the forum (see above), but it does appear to be a good setup. I can't see why more councils aren't doing it, especially when they have the operator buy-in at Stockton.

My only criticism is the age demographic that Tony mentioned for today's meeting. I'd hope that it's a one off, and that most meetings are representative of public transport users. Not just by age, but by gender as well.