A fresh bid to improve rural bus services in Cumbria has been announced by the Government.
The county has been chosen to run a pilot scheme to test how franchising – where local authorities give private bus companies the right to run in a specific area – could work.
The pilot is designed to put passengers’ needs first, the Government said, and would give councils greater control over its local services to boost access to jobs, education and business opportunities while tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We’re backing Cumbria to explore how it could take control of its bus network and transform rural services to work for everyone, ensuring passengers, not profit, are put first when it comes to bus services.
“By inviting regions like Cumbria to take part, we aim to investigate that franchising is not just for metropolitan hubs – it can unlock better, more reliable services in rural communities that have historically faced limited transport options.
“The pilot will help us understand how franchising can improve connectivity, boost passenger satisfaction, and support local economies in a range of settings.”
It comes ahead of the Government’s Bus Services Bill.
As part of the bill, councils will identify socially necessary local services, and working with bus operators, put in place stricter requirements before these services can be changed or cancelled.
Cumberland Council’s Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “We are delighted that Cumbria has been selected to take part in this important pilot.
“For too long, rural communities have faced limited and unreliable transport options, and this scheme offers a real opportunity to reshape services around the needs of our residents.
“Cumberland Council welcomes the opportunity to play a leading role in delivering improvements that matter locally. By giving councils more control, we are better able to protect vital routes, improve access to jobs, education and healthcare, and ensure our bus network supports inclusive growth across the region. This is a positive step forward for sustainable transport in Cumbria.”
Cllr John Murray, cabinet member for transport and regulatory services for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Westmorland & Furness Council are delighted to be working closely with the Department for Transport, Cumberland Council, and our public transport partners as part of the pilot.
“Cumbria’s large geography and dispersed population make it extremely challenging to deliver commercially viable bus services, especially in our deep rural areas.
“For many, these services are a lifeline, providing access to education, employment, healthcare, leisure, and social networks. Traditional delivery models that work well in urban areas aren’t necessarily right for Cumbria, and this pilot will give us the opportunity to explore innovative alternatives.”
Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister welcomed the news. He said: “For too long, people in our towns and villages have faced unreliable and infrequent bus services that make it harder to get to work, school, healthcare appointments or simply to see family and friends.
“This pilot is about putting passengers first and making sure that decisions about local transport are made here in Cumbria. By giving councils greater control, we can better protect vital routes, connect isolated communities, and make sure that bus services work for local people and local economies.
“Better buses mean better opportunities – for young people accessing education and training, for businesses connecting to customers, and for older residents who rely on public transport to stay active and independent.
“I want to pay tribute to the hard work of Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, who have championed this initiative and worked tirelessly with local partners and Government to bring this opportunity to Cumbria.
“I’ll be working closely with the council, operators and residents to make sure this pilot delivers real improvements for the people I represent, and that Cumbria becomes a model for how rural transport can thrive.”
Julie Minns, Carlisle MP, said: “I am delighted that our area has been selected to launch one of three new bus franchising pilots.
“This Labour Government understands the importance of ending the postcode lottery of Britain’s broken buses.
“Along with £5m for Cumberland this pilot could deliver transformative benefits, particularly for rural areas, improving access to jobs, schools and town centres.
“People across Carlisle and north Cumbria are tired of unreliable, overcrowded and infrequent bus services holding them back from opportunity.”
