Bus Services in Cumbria

Cumbria is a largely rural area and also includes the whole of the Lake District National Park.  Consequently, there are particular demands on bus transport from residents and visitors alike.

Most bus services in Cumbria, especially in urban areas, are provided on a 'commercial' basis.  This means that the bus operators costs of running the service are covered by the fares they collect from passengers on the route.  The timetable, route and fares on these services are set by the bus operator and the County Council has no direct influence on them.

The County Council does not operate buses itself and where the costs of operating a bus service are not covered by the fares collected from passengers and, therefore, the service is not commercially 'sustainable', the County Council can offer subsidies to operators to provide transport services which would otherwise not run.  Working in partnership with all bus operators in the county is very important to us.  Part of the County Council's strategic Local Transport Plan is to improve access to work opportunities and essential services for all residents of Cumbria.  Thus, by making subsidies available, some of our social needs and objectives can be met.

The County Council currently spends around £200,000 of its own budget and about £1.6 million of grants from Central Government to support bus services throughout the County.  Currently these funds are fully committed and, therefore, to provide any new services existing less well used supported services would have to be withdrawn.  The route and timetables of these services are set by the County Council, as in many cases are the fares charged.  On the majority of supported services the operator is paid a set fee and all fares collected are returned to the County Council to help to support further services.

To encourage greater use of bus services the County Council:

• Produces, in parntership with Stagecoach, the 'Cumbria and Lakesrider' timetable booklet
• Produces the 'To & Through Cumbria' travel map
• Produces individual timetable leaflets for services provided with financial support
• Is a partner in the Traveline telephone enquiry service
• Subscribes to the Internet-based 'Journey Planner'

More information on bus transport services can be found by following the menu links.  There are also contact details below for Stagecoach North West, who are the main commercial bus service operator in Cumbria.