(11 Jun 2016, 12:45 pm)Adrian wrote 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.

That was part of today's experiment to try an online forum if you will. The chairman and two of the three representatives from the Council department responsible for transport were in the main room. The third member of the council, along with the representatives from Stagecoach and Arriva, were in a separate room answering pre-submitted written questions and those coming in via Twiiter whether asked in the room or from anywhere.


The age demographic is regularly the same - I am usually the youngest in the room.