A new bus service is set to launch on Saturday in the Lake District – which will operate over weekends and bank holidays.
Following a successful pilot project last year using minibuses, Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater community group is expanding the service.
Operated by Stagecoach, the service will start on Saturday, March 23 and run until November 3.
The 509 service will operate between Keswick and Penrith visiting locations including Troutbeck, Dockray, Glenridding, Patterdale, Aira Force, Pooley Bridge, Askham and Lowther Castle.
Another service, UB1, will cover many of the holiday parks and other accommodation between Aira Force and Howtown.
Michael Firth, the group’s chair, said: “We are delighted by the success of the 2023 pilot. Our vision for Ullswater is to see alternatives to private motor vehicle use in the valley, an approach that can be summarised as bus, bike, boot and boat.
“Congestion and carbon footprint are real problems for both visitors and residents especially during the main tourist season. We very much welcome visitors to the valley and our mission is to provide options that allow everyone to enjoy the area in a less impactful way.”
Daniel Holder, a group member and owner of award-winning holiday park The Quiet Site, said: “These services, combined with the existing 508 service, will open up many more visitor and resident journeys that can be taken by bus rather than car.
“Stagecoach is helping us to support the new 509 service, which itself indicates the success of last year’s service as well as the success of our partnership working with Stagecoach.
“We are grateful to the support received from Westmorland and Furness, Zero Carbon Cumbria and the Barton and Pooley Bridge Community Fund. Additionally many Ullswater businesses and other local entities have kindly offered pledges to cover the cost of the services in the event fare income is insufficient.”
David Rich, head of commercial, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, added: “Stagecoach is thrilled to be able to partner again with SITU to improve connectivity by bus across the Ullswater Valley. We were really pleased with the popularity of the service introduced in 2023 and it is exciting that we have been able to build upon that success to offer an improved service for 2024.”
All buses are dog friendly, and all services are included in the Government’s National bus Fare Cap Scheme meaning single fares are £2.
Children under five and English concessionary bus pass holders travel free.
Tickets can be bought with cash and card on board buses from the driver or via the Stagecoach website and app.
Single and return tickets are available as well as day tickets valid on any Stagecoach bus, not just the 509 & UB1. People can also buy a combined bus and boat ticket for a trip involving both Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and buses.
