Thousands more residents across Cumberland are staying connected thanks to an increased uptake of free bus travel.
Over the past year, an additional 10,000 NoWcard bus passes have been issued by Cumberland Council, helping more people access free travel across the area.
The NoWcard provides free bus travel for eligible residents, including older people and those with disabilities.
Eligible residents are able to use their NoWcard’s from:
- 9.30am to 11.00pm Monday – Friday
- All-day on weekends and bank holidays
The impact is already being seen, with more than 2.1 million journeys made by around 53,000 active pass holders between April 2025 and March 2026.
The scheme is playing a vital role in supporting residents to remain independent, access essential services such as healthcare and shopping, and stay connected with their communities.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“This is fantastic news and shows just how much our free bus travel scheme is helping people across Cumberland stay connected and independent.
“Seeing thousands more residents benefit, and over two million journeys being made, really highlights the difference this is making to everyday lives – whether that’s getting to appointments, visiting friends and family, or simply getting out and about.
“With our improved Cumberland Go network offering more routes and better connections, it’s now even easier for people to make the most of their bus pass and travel confidently across the area.”
Pass holders can also make the most of the new and enhanced Cumberland Go bus routes, helping them travel more easily across the area. Residents can view all timetables online at: www.cumberland.gov.uk/bus-timetables
Residents who are approaching state pension age, or who are eligible due to a disability, are encouraged to apply for a free bus pass, by going here: Bus passes | Cumberland Council. Support with applications is also available at local libraries in Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle.
Find out more and apply for a free bus pass on the Cumberland Council website: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/public-and-community-transport/bus-services/bus-passes
