Herts of gold

Stagecoach, the bus company that has mushroomed after being launched by a humble bus conductor, has a rival. The University of Hertfordshire's student bus service has opened to local people, depositing them at useful venues such as the local shopping centre and advertising its services on the local radio.

Rumour has it that the long-term plan is to start slamming the doors, driving to the registry, and refusing people permission to leave until they have signed up for a degree course.