A new direct coach service linking Stonehouse, Stroud, Chalford and Cirencester, with London will formally launch on Tuesday September 8th, following successful trial runs in July that confirmed strong local demand for more cost-effective connections to the capital.
GoStroud ran a pilot service across five dates in July after a survey revealed significant local interest in more affordable and practical access to London. Following a smooth trial period and positive feedback from passengers, the service is now moving to a regular weekday service, running Tuesday to Thursday, with new pick-up points added at Stonehouse, Chalford and Cirencester.
The coach departs Stonehouse at 5:40AM, Stroud (Cheapside) at 6:00AM, Chalford/Minchinhampton at 6:10AM and Cirencester at 6:20AM, arriving into West Drayton between 7:55 and 8:15AM, where passengers connect onto the Elizabeth Line into central London, aiming to get passengers into the centre by 9:00AM. The return service leaves West Drayton at 6:15PM, arriving back in Cirencester by 7:50PM, Chalford by 8:00PM, Stroud by 8:15PM and Stonehouse by 8:30PM.
GoStroud says the service is designed not just for traditional commuters, but also for people travelling for meetings, flexible working, cultural events, business opportunities and occasional trips to London who are looking for an alternative to rising rail costs.
Standard day return tickets are £30, with one-way singles available from £20-£25 depending on direction. Once passengers reach West Drayton, the TfL price cap covers travel anywhere in Zones 1-6 for no more than £16.30, meaning regular commuters could save thousands of pounds a year compared with peak rail fares.
GoStroud was launched by local couple Tom and Rebecca MacMillan, who have lived in Stroud for over ten years.
“People told us they wanted better access to London without the steep cost of current options,” said Tom. “Our July trial proved there’s real appetite for this. Now we’re excited to move to a full weekday service and create a lasting new way for Stroud and the surrounding communities to get to and from London.”
Co-founder Rebecca MacMillan, who has run Stroud Improv since 2022, said: “The response from our trial passengers has been amazing, with some people telling us this has made the difference to them staying in their current work, and a lot of people are just relieved and happy to be saving money on London travel when they need to go peak time.”
The coach includes onboard WiFi, USB charging, a toilet, table and standard seating, and one wheelchair space. Coffee and pastries are available to pre-order for passengers boarding in Stroud, with additional snacks and drinks available onboard via an honesty box. Tickets can be rescheduled or cancelled up until midnight the day before travel.
Once passengers reach West Drayton, onward travel across London is available via TfL services.
Residents are encouraged to book now ahead of the September 8th launch.
