6 days ago
Cumberland Council approves expansion of local bus services
A major expansion of bus services has been approved, aimed at targeting areas where routes are currently limited or commercially Council said the move follows talks with residents and stakeholders to understand local travel by £3.5m in government funding through the Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP), the delivery of the proposed new services are subject to operators submitting a tender to run them, the local authority plans were backed by councillors at a Highways and Transport Strategic Board earlier.
Labour councillor Denise Rollo said: "This is the next step in building a better future for public transport in Cumberland, one that directly reflects what our communities have told us they want."While not all services may attract tenders, given market constraints such as vehicle and driver availability, Cumberland Council is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for residents within the available funding."
The proposed new or expanded services include:Carlisle to Anthorn - Addition of peak journeys and a new Sunday serviceKirkbride to Carlisle - The reinstatement of a previous service including enhanced links for Cargo, Houghton Rockcliffe and Currock Community CentreWhitehaven to Ravenglass - New serviceCarlisle to Cockermouth - Upgrade to hourly serviceCockermouth-Lillyhall-Distington - West Cumberland Hospital- New serviceCarlisle to Hadrian's Wall - New serviceCockermouth Town Buses - Return of the local town serviceBootle to Millom via Ravenglass - New serviceCockermouth to Mayport - Service enhancements that include peak journeys and a new Maryport and Dearham town serviceWhitehaven Town Loop - New north eastern loopCarlisle-Longtown-Penton - Expanded rural covergeCarlisle to Durranhill/Carleton - New route service Locke Road Surgery and GarlandsWetheral-Carlisle-Dalston - Greater frequencyFrizington to Cockermouth/Workington - Return of previous serviceThe plans also include the continuation of services introduced in November 2024, including:Silloth to MaryportMaryport-Egremont-ThornhillMaryport-Cleator Moor-FrizingtonWorkington to Carlisle
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