Cumberland Council is continuing its support for vital bus services across the area, helping residents access employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.
A package of supported bus service contracts for 2026/27 is being progressed following a competitive procurement exercise. The contracts have a total value of £2.89 million and will run for 12 months from the individual service start dates.
The services receiving continued council support are:
- 30: Frizington to Workington Sunday service
- 600: Carlisle, Cumberland Infirmary, Cockermouth, Whitehaven and West Cumberland Hospital
- 22/22A: Whitehaven, West Cumberland Hospital, Egremont, Cleator and Cleator Moor
- 60: Silloth to Maryport
- 300: Workington to Carlisle, with an increased frequency
- C123: Cockermouth town service
- X7: Whitehaven to Millom;
- 7: Barrow to Millom;
- M1: Millom town service
- 32: Whitehaven, St Bees and Egremont
- 1/1A: Whitehaven, Parton, Rosehill Theatre, Moresby Parks and Harras Moor
- 68: Cockermouth to Maryport
- HW1: Carlisle, Irthington, Brampton, Gilsland, the Roman Army Museum and Walltown Country Park.
The procurement exercise attracted 51 tenders from four bus and coach operators, including several alternative timetable proposals. Bids were assessed against published criteria covering price, quality and social value.
Although the level of annual Government revenue funding has remained the same, the amount available last year was higher because two years' worth of funding was used within a single financial year. This means less funding is available for allocation this year, and it has not been possible to maintain support for every service.
Services have been prioritised using a consistent approach that considers the level of Council funding required alongside the number of passenger journeys made. This helps ensure the available funding is directed towards services that provide the best value and benefit for passengers and communities.
Council support will therefore not be renewed for the following existing services.
- 64: enhancements serving Cargo, Rockcliffe and Durdar. Last day of operation Saturday 2 January 2027. New timetable from Monday 4 January 2027
- MD1: Maryport to Dearham. The current contract ends on Thursday 29 October 2026. Subject to the outcome of a short procurement exercise, the council intends to continue the service until the end of December.
- 93AM: the supported morning peak journeys between Carlisle, Kirkbride and Anthorn. Last day of operation is Friday 18 December 2026.
- 93S: the Sunday service between Carlisle, Kirkbride and Anthorn. Last day of operation is Sunday 29 November 2026.
- 71: Carlisle, Kirkbride and Wigton, from January 2027. Last day of operation is Saturday 2 January 2027.
- DR1: Carlisle city centre to South Carlisle Health Centre. Last day of operation is Thursday 31 December 2026.
The council is continuing to explore additional funding and alternative delivery options. The next three services on the priority list are the 71, 64 enhancements and MD1.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Bus services are a lifeline for many of our communities, connecting people with work, education, healthcare, shops and family and friends.
“This has been a very difficult decision. We know how much people value their local services, but the funding available means we cannot support every route in the same way as before.
"The decision was made through a fair and consistent process, taking into account passenger demand, value for money and the funding available. While it has not been possible to continue supporting every route, this approach ensures the available funding is directed towards the services that deliver the greatest overall benefit to passengers and communities across Cumberland.
“I’m pleased that this investment will protect a wide range of important connections across Cumberland and make the best possible use of public money.
“We remain committed to exploring every realistic funding and delivery option available, including opportunities through Cumberland Go, so that we can maintain as much connectivity as possible.
“I would encourage residents to use and support these services. By choosing the bus whenever they can, passengers can help demonstrate the continuing demand for public transport across Cumberland.”
Supported bus services contribute to the Cumberland Plan by improving access to employment, education, healthcare and essential services, reducing rural and social isolation, supporting sustainable travel and helping to create inclusive communities.