Cumberland Council is excited to announce that it has secured a further £5 million in funding from the Department for Transport to drive major improvements to local bus services in the area. This in addition to £2.5million received which is already supporting local bus services in collaboration with Stagecoach, enhancing key routes, including:
- Route 60 (Silloth – Maryport): Reintroduced.
- Route 64 (Rockcliffe – Durdar): Restored and improved.
- Route 300 (Workington – Carlisle): Increased to every 30 minutes.
- Route 30 (Egremont/Frizington – Maryport – Sunday): Increased to every 30 minutes.
- Route M1 (Millom Town – including Haverigg): Reintroduced.
- Route 22 (Cleator Moor – Whitehaven Hospital): Improved for better accessibility. The Road improvements on the A5086 Main Street, Cleator have now been completed therefore the bus service route diversion is no longer in place.
Additionally, Route 217 (Frizington – Lamplugh – Dean – Cockermouth) has been extended until March 2025.
Single fares for bus journeys in the Cumberland area will remain capped at £2 for a single journey until 31 December 2024, after which the cap will increase to £3 in January 2025.
To ensure this new funding for bus services is effectively used and reflect the needs of our residents, Cumberland Council is extending its current public survey on bus routes and services. The council is inviting all community members to share their views on destinations, frequencies, and travel times to help shape a reliable and accessible public transport system.
The public’s input will play a crucial role in refining and enhancing bus services, helping to build a network that truly meets the needs of Cumberland’s diverse communities. Feedback from the survey will also guide future funding decisions and improve the overall experience for passengers.
The survey is available online and will remain open until Friday 31 January 2025.
Printed copies are available at libraries across the region, Allerdale House in Workington, Whitehaven Market Hall, Cumbria House and the Civic Centre and Cumbria House in Carlisle.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient, and Connected Places, shared her enthusiasm:
“We are thrilled to receive this investment from the Department for Transport, which will help enhance bus options for our communities, both in rural areas, towns and cities.
“However, we need your help. Are there enough buses in your area? Are they covering all the routes you need? What can we do to help you use public transport? These are some of the important questions in our survey, and now is the ideal time to have your say. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the service you want. Together, we can create a public transport network that supports our community’s growth and connectivity.”
To complete the survey online or learn more about our plans, visit https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/economic-regeneration-team/bus-survey/
For further information, please email integrated.transport@cumberland.gov.uk.