A Cumbrian council has revealed it is exploring if it could take on running bus services in its area.
Cumberland Council said it was exploring the potential after the new Labour government said local authorities across England will be able to run and control bus services in a bid to save vital routes.
Denise Rollo, the portfolio holder for sustainable, resilient and connected places, told a meeting of the council’s executive committee: “As a transport authority we would like to declare that we will be exploring this option.
“Many will know that recently we have set up a closer working partnership with Stagecoach but these powers would take it another step forward.
“Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced she would deliver a ‘bus revolution’ and that is what is needed in Cumberland.”
Cllr Rollo said that at Monday’s meeting of Transport for the North, members explored their support for regional fleets where the emphasis was that procurement should focus on UK bus manufacturers.
She added: “Konrad Bailey, director general for Local Transport Bus and Rail Strategy at the Department for Transport, yesterday listened to the feedback where it was highlighted that much of the north was rural and one size does not fit all.”
Cllr Rollo said that it was still at a very early stage but it was a case of “watch this space”.
Buses in the UK have been largely run by private companies since 1986, when they were deregulated by the then Conservative government and sold off by local councils.
London councils took over their bus services in the capital in 2000, setting up Transport for London, while buses have been run by local councils in Manchester since 2017.
