Cumberland Council, working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council, has successfully secured government funding to pilot new approaches to bus service delivery in Cumbria, including the potential introduction of bus franchising.
This pioneering pilot will examine how to improve public transport in rural communities, particularly where services currently struggle to remain financially viable. The initiative will explore ways to increase service frequency and enhance access to employment, education, healthcare, and essential local services.
By taking part in this pilot, Cumbria will be at the forefront of national research into rural public transport solutions, with the findings helping to shape a new national model for delivering sustainable, accessible transport in rural areas.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places at Cumberland Council, said:
“We are delighted that Cumbria has been chosen to take part in this important pilot. For too long, rural communities have faced limited and unreliable transport options, and this scheme offers a real opportunity to reshape services around the needs of our residents.
Cumberland Council is proud to play a leading role in driving improvements that make a tangible difference locally. By giving councils greater control, we can protect vital routes, improve access to jobs, education and healthcare, and ensure our bus network supports inclusive, sustainable growth across the region. This is a positive step forward for public transport in Cumbria.”
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said:
“We’re backing Cumbria to explore how it could take control of its bus network and transform rural services to work for everyone – ensuring passengers, not profit, come first.
With our transformative Bus Services Bill just around the corner, this Government is putting buses at the heart of better connectivity, helping communities thrive and driving economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”