Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about bus services in the county.
How do I catch the bus?
There are nearly 4000 locations where buses stop in Cumbria. Some of these are grouped together in bus stations in town centres, others are on roadsides and marked by shelters, poles or flags. In some rural areas there are no marked stops, but a 'hail and ride' service operates. This means that a bus driver will stop the vehicle anywhere on the route if it is safe to do so. Always remember to signal clearly to the driver in good time if you want the bus to stop.
How can I pay for bus travel?
Unless you have a pre-purchased ticket, you will need to pay in cash when boarding the bus. It is helpful if you have the correct change, although it is not essential. 'Explorer-style' and other saver tickets are available from Stagecoach.
Where can I get information about bus services?
There are many places where you can get bus service information. A good starting point is the Traveline service, which can be accessed by telephone (0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines)) or Internet (see below). When ringing from outside Cumbria or from a mobile phone, entering 874 as soon as you hear the 'welcome' message start will transfer you to the Cumbria Traveline call centre rather than your local area Traveline call centre. Information can also be obtained from bus drivers, bus and rail stations or tourist information centres. If you are unable to find the information that you need from these sources, please contact the Public Transport Team in Cumbria County Council.
Why do timetables keep changing?
Timetables need to change for a number of reasons. For example, services in winter are generally in less demand than during the summer and have to be reduced to remain viable. We try to ensure that changes are kept to a minimum to avoid disruption. The two main timetable change points are around Easter and late October.
What should I do if I have a problem or complaint about a bus service?
The first point of contact should be the bus operating company. In the majority of cases in Cumbria, this will be Stagecoach. If you do not know the operator's phone number, ring Traveline (0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines)). If this does not resolve the problem, you can contact the Public Transport Team at Cumbria County Council. If you are still not happy with the response that you get, you can contact the 'Bus Appeals Body' who will investigate the complaint on your behalf. Currently, this should be done by writing to them at PO Box 320, Portsmouth, PO5 3SD. You should enclose copies of correspondence with the operator and all other information that you feel is relevant. Please note that they cannot deal with complaints about changes to your local service, only things that have gone wrong with the existing service. Bus Users UK (formerly the National Federation of Bus Users) is an independent group which was formed to look after the interests of bus passengers generally. It works with bus companies, trade organisations, Government and local authorities.
I'm over 60, can I get a reduced fare?
If you live in Cumbria, you will be entitled to free bus travel. Each of the Local councils in Cumbria operate their own scheme. To find out which scheme applies to you, and to receive a bus pass (NoWcard), you must apply to your local District/Borough/City Council and obtain a pass. This pass must be shown to the driver on each service you travel upon. The driver cannot give a discount if you do not have your pass with you. English visitors to Cumbria are entitled to free travel between 0930 and 2300, otherwise you must pay normal full single and return fares. There are however discounts available for certain multi-journey tickets such as the Stagecoach Explorer ticket. Please show the pass from your home area to get the full discount.
Do my children have to pay full fare?
On most services children aged under 5 travel free of charge. Children between 5 and 15 years of age inclusive will travel at a discount on the full adult fare, but the level of this discount will vary between services. Children of 16 and over have to pay the full adult fare even if they are still attending school.
How do I catch the bus?
There are nearly 4000 locations where buses stop in Cumbria. Some of these are grouped together in bus stations in town centres, others are on roadsides and marked by shelters, poles or flags. In some rural areas there are no marked stops, but a 'hail and ride' service operates. This means that a bus driver will stop the vehicle anywhere on the route if it is safe to do so. Always remember to signal clearly to the driver in good time if you want the bus to stop.
More information about using Stagecoach buses
How can I pay for bus travel?
Unless you have a pre-purchased ticket, you will need to pay in cash when boarding the bus. It is helpful if you have the correct change, although it is not essential. 'Explorer-style' and other saver tickets are available from Stagecoach.
More information about Stagecoach ticket offers
Where can I get information about bus services?
There are many places where you can get bus service information. A good starting point is the Traveline service, which can be accessed by telephone (0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines)) or Internet (see below). When ringing from outside Cumbria or from a mobile phone, entering 874 as soon as you hear the 'welcome' message start will transfer you to the Cumbria Traveline call centre rather than your local area Traveline call centre. Information can also be obtained from bus drivers, bus and rail stations or tourist information centres. If you are unable to find the information that you need from these sources, please contact the Public Transport Team in Cumbria County Council.
Visit the Traveline website home page
Why do timetables keep changing?
Timetables need to change for a number of reasons. For example, services in winter are generally in less demand than during the summer and have to be reduced to remain viable. We try to ensure that changes are kept to a minimum to avoid disruption. The two main timetable change points are around Easter and late October.
What should I do if I have a problem or complaint about a bus service?
The first point of contact should be the bus operating company. In the majority of cases in Cumbria, this will be Stagecoach. If you do not know the operator's phone number, ring Traveline (0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from landlines)). If this does not resolve the problem, you can contact the Public Transport Team at Cumbria County Council. If you are still not happy with the response that you get, you can contact the 'Bus Appeals Body' who will investigate the complaint on your behalf. Currently, this should be done by writing to them at PO Box 320, Portsmouth, PO5 3SD. You should enclose copies of correspondence with the operator and all other information that you feel is relevant. Please note that they cannot deal with complaints about changes to your local service, only things that have gone wrong with the existing service. Bus Users UK (formerly the National Federation of Bus Users) is an independent group which was formed to look after the interests of bus passengers generally. It works with bus companies, trade organisations, Government and local authorities.
More Information on the Bus Users UK website.
I'm over 60, can I get a reduced fare?
If you live in Cumbria, you will be entitled to free bus travel. Each of the Local councils in Cumbria operate their own scheme. To find out which scheme applies to you, and to receive a bus pass (NoWcard), you must apply to your local District/Borough/City Council and obtain a pass. This pass must be shown to the driver on each service you travel upon. The driver cannot give a discount if you do not have your pass with you. English visitors to Cumbria are entitled to free travel between 0930 and 2300, otherwise you must pay normal full single and return fares. There are however discounts available for certain multi-journey tickets such as the Stagecoach Explorer ticket. Please show the pass from your home area to get the full discount.
More Information about Concessionary Fares
Do my children have to pay full fare?
On most services children aged under 5 travel free of charge. Children between 5 and 15 years of age inclusive will travel at a discount on the full adult fare, but the level of this discount will vary between services. Children of 16 and over have to pay the full adult fare even if they are still attending school.