An alternative way to overcome public transport problems in rural areas is through working together with community transport organisations through the action and sustained effort of volunteers.
You can also use the Rural Wheels scheme for transport if you do not have, or are unable to access, scheduled transport or have a volunteer driver available. Register for the Rural Wheels scheme.
Cumbria Community Transport
Cumbria Community Transport operates a fleet of 16 passenger seat vehicles which are sited throughout Cumbria. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and have low level entry steps
Contact Cumbria Community Transport
Muncaster Microbus
Muncaster Microbus provides a scheduled bus service. Operating from:
- Bootle, Eskdale, Wasdale, Holmrook, Seascale and Gosforth for regular weekly trips to Whitehaven on Tuesdays and Thursdays and day trips every other Saturday
- One Wednesday a month there is a trip to Workington or Cockermouth
Northern Fells bus
Northern Fells run a demand responsive accessible minibus for those without their own transport in the parishes of:
- Boltons
- Caldbeck
- Castle
- Sowerby
- Ireby with Uldale
- Mungrisdale
- Sebergham
- Welton
- Westward
- Rosley
Border Rambler bus
Border Rambler Bus runs a service twice weekly on:
- Tuesdays and Fridays to villages between Laversdale and Carlisle via Hethersgill and Linstock
- Wednesdays a service from Brampton to Birdoswald Roman Fort along Hadrians Wall Footpath and back via Gilsland and Low Road.
Contact Border Rambler Bus for more information
If you're interested in organising a community minibus service
For more information on any of the above schemes, or if you're interested in helping organise a community minibus in your local area, then contact us.
Email: integrated.transport@cumberland.gov.uk
Apply for a standard or large bus permit
If you want to provide transport for 'non-commercial' purposes, or provide a transport service as a second job, you can apply for a standard or large bus permit.
Application for a standard or large bus permit (GOV.UK)
If you need a replacement permit if yours is lost or faded, please contact the Transport Services Team:
Voluntary Transport Officer
Cumberland Council
PO Box 415
Carlisle
CA1 9GU
Mobile: 07788 396194
Telephone: 0333 240 69 65 (option 5 - charged at local rate)
Email : integrated.transport@cumberland.gov.uk