Cumberland Council is thrilled to roll out a range of proposals designed to transform the bus network that will be sustainable and convenient for the Cumberland community.
The council is launching the first phase of the bus service improvement plan, working in collaboration with local members, bus operators, and community stakeholders, the council have developed strategies to revamp and expand bus services. Working in partnership with Stagecoach, Cumberland Council is set to deliver a more reliable and accessible network that truly connects our communities.
This autumn, Cumberland Council will implement significant enhancements to local bus services, including the following improvements:
- Route 60: Silloth – Maryport: the council is reintroducing this service between key towns.
- Route 101: Rockcliffe – Durdar: the council is restoring and improving this service.
- Route 300: Workington – Carlisle: enjoy increased frequency with buses, every 30 minutes.
- Route 30: Egremont / Frizington – Maryport – Sunday: fantastic news that the services will now run every 30 minutes.
- Route M1: Millom Town Service – including Haverigg: this is the reintroduction of this service, which will strengthen community connections and boost local engagement. It aims to create a more interconnected and vibrant community.
- Route 22: Cleator Moor - Cleator – Whitehaven Hospital: this bus route will provide dependable transport to essential services, with a special focus on accommodating passengers with mobility needs. The council is committed to enhancing access, including extended visitor hours at the hospital, ensuring everyone can benefit from reliable and inclusive transportation.
Along with this great news, Cumberland Council is also pleased to work with Lamplugh, Arlecdon and Frizington and Dean Parish Councils so that the Frizington - Lamplugh - Dean – Cockermouth Route 217 can be extended until March 2025 as previous Parish Council funding had only been granted until 18 September 2024.
In addition to this fantastic news, the council is planning further enhancements to rural bus services this autumn. The council will be asking when and where the community wants buses to go. Input from the public on preferred destinations, frequencies, and travel times will be essential for refining and improving the service to better meet everyone’s needs.
Cumberland Council is grateful for the £2.4 million in funding from the Department for Transport under the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which will enable them to make significant enhancements to the bus services across Cumberland.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient, and Connected Places, shared her enthusiasm:
“As the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient, and Connected Places, I am delighted to announce these transformative bus service improvements!
“Partnering with Stagecoach marks a significant leap forward in our mission to make bus travel, more reliable and more frequent. We are excited to work closely with Stagecoach to enhance travel options for our communities, and we will ensure they meet our high standards for service quality while holding them accountable for delivering excellent bus services.
“Together, we’re driving forward our commitment to a greener, more connected, and vibrant Cumberland.”
Tom Waterhouse, Managing Director of Stagecoach, added his support:
"We are proud to be working in partnership with Cumberland Council on the first phase of the Bus Service Improvement Plan. We have a shared ambition to grow the local bus network here in Cumbria, connecting more communities and making it easier to travel in a more environmentally sustainable way. We are excited about growing the local bus network together."
You Tube video of BSIP annoncement: https://youtu.be/WXo34ASoqcE
