Cumberland Council has today approved plans to go to market to procure and commission a major expansion of local bus services, backed by £3.5 million in Government funding through the Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The decision, made by Cumberland Council’s Highways & Transport Strategic Board, aims to deliver new and enhanced routes across the region, targeting areas where services are currently limited or commercially unviable.
These improvements follow in-depth engagement with residents and stakeholders to understand local travel needs, such as preferred destinations, frequencies, and service times. All proposals were carefully assessed to ensure maximum public benefit and value for money, aligning with the Council Plan and BSIP priorities. The delivery of the proposed enhancements will be subject to operators submitting a tender to run the services.
Proposed new and enhanced services include:
- Carlisle to Anthorn – Addition of peak journeys and a new Sunday service.
- Kirkbride to Carlisle – The reinstatement of a previous service including enhanced links for Cargo, Houghton, Rockcliffe and Currock Community Centre.
- Whitehaven to Ravenglass – New service connecting coastal communities.
- Carlisle to Cockermouth – Upgrade to hourly service supporting express link between Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital and providing communities with better access to employment opportunities at Lillyhall.
- Cockermouth – Lillyhall – Distington – West Cumbria Hospital – New service to support the express link between Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital and providing communities with better access to employment opportunities at Lillyhall.
- Carlisle to Hadrian’s Wall – A tourism and rural connectivity boost.
- Cockermouth Town Buses – Return of local town service.
- Bootle – Millom via Ravenglass – New service connecting via Ravenglass including more connectivity for the M1 Millom.
- Cockermouth to Maryport – Service enhancements that includes peak journeys between Cockermouth and Maryport and a new Maryport and Dearham town service.
- Whitehaven Town Loop – New North Eastern loop from Whitehaven Town Centre including Moresby Parks, Harras Moor and improved 22 service connecting Cleator, Cleator Moor, Egremont and West Cumberland Hospital.
- Carlisle – Longtown – Penton – Expanded rural coverage.
- Carlisle Durranhill/Carleton – New route serving Locke Road Surgery and Garlands.
- Wetheral – Carlisle – Dalston – Enhanced frequency.
- Frizington to Cockermouth / Workington – Return of a previous service.
- Continuation of services introduced in November 2024, including:
- Silloth – Maryport
- Maryport – Egremont – Thornhill
- Maryport – Cleator Moor – Frizington
- Workington – Carlisle
In addition to the above the engagement exercise has enabled the council to develop a pipeline of service proposals to be delivered as future funding becomes available.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“I am delighted that the Highways Strategic Board endorsed this procurement. Cumberland Council and its officers have worked exceptionally hard to get us to this point engaging closely with both the public and transport operators to understand their needs and ideas.
“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. This investment will enable us to deliver a more reliable, accessible, and sustainable bus network, connecting people to essential services and opportunities. It also supports our carbon reduction goals and encourages healthier lifestyles by providing real alternatives to car travel.
“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 envelope.
“This initiative directly contributes to the council’s broader objectives as set out in the Cumberland Plan, particularly in improving health and wellbeing and supporting climate resilience through sustainable transport.”
Hear more about what's to come from Councillor Rollo on Cumberland Council's Youtube Channel.