Cumberland Council was pleased to welcome representatives from the Department for Transport (DfT) to the area as part of ongoing work on a new government‑funded pilot exploring innovative approaches to delivering rural bus services.
Cumberland Council, working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council, has secured national funding to investigate current challenges, identify opportunities, and develop and test new models of local bus service delivery tailored specifically for rural communities.
As part of this work, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council will be working closely with consultants Jacobs and Oxera to engage with the public and key stakeholders across the county. This engagement will help gather insight and opinions on bus reform, ensuring that proposals reflect the needs and experiences of local residents, businesses, and communities. The aim is to improve public transport outcomes across Cumbria, recognising the unique challenges of delivering reliable, accessible services in a predominantly rural area.
As part of the pilot, communities, businesses and stakeholders will be invited to take part in interviews, workshops and in-person events to share their views.
During the visit, DfT colleagues experienced Cumberland’s transport network first hand (on a notably wet and windy day!) travelling by bus from Penrith to Whitehaven before taking time to discuss the transport issues faced by residents and businesses. The group then continued their journey to Oxenholme to conclude the visit.
This pilot places Cumbria at the forefront of national research into rural public transport solutions, with insights from the programme helping to shape future models for more accessible and sustainable transport in rural areas across the country.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“We were delighted to host colleagues from the Department for Transport and give them a real sense of the challenges faced by our rural communities. This pilot is a fantastic opportunity to develop solutions that truly work for our residents, and it’s encouraging to see national interest in the innovation happening here in Cumbria.”
Cumberland Council will continue to share updates as the pilot develops, with further engagement and findings anticipated over the coming months.
Ruannan Law, Jacobs Senior Associate Director and Public Transport Operations and Planning Capability Lead, said:
“Jacobs, working alongside Oxera, is supporting Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council in developing the case for bus reform in Cumbria. As one of the five areas selected by the Department for Transport for the Bus Reform Pilot, the project will help both councils in shaping the future of bus service delivery in Cumbria and demonstrate how authorities across England can use the new powers provided by the Bus Services Act 2025.”