A £65,000 appeal has been launched to buy a second hopper bus for a Lake District valley.
The community-led sustainable transport charity Sustainable Integrated Transport for Ullswater has launched the appeal for the second bus, following growth over the first three years of operation and significantly increased demand during the 2025 season.
Established to provide a practical, sustainable alternative to car travel in the Ullswater Valley, the Ullswater Hopper Bus has seen demand rise dramatically year-on-year.
The charity said 2025 marked the most successful season to date, placing increasing pressure on the existing single-bus service. Services have frequently reached capacity during peak periods.
Michael Firth, the charity’s chair, said: “The Ullswater Hopper Bus has exceeded all expectations.
“The growth over just three years shows that when a well-designed, reliable service is provided people will choose buses over cars. If we are serious about reducing congestion and emissions in the Lake District, we must invest in people-focused transport solutions.
“SITU has broken the mould and has already demonstrated that communities can work together to make things happen.
“Our new £65,000 appeal is an invitation to be part of our next exciting chapter.”
The £65,000 appeal will help fund the operational costs of introducing a second bus, improving capacity, reliability, and access across the Ullswater Valley. By increasing capacity it should also help to reduce the cost of operating the service which this year involved a subsidy of nearly £6 per passenger.
This year, SITU plans to run the Ullswater Hopper Bus service for 139 days, but to do so effectively a second bus was essential it said.
“The Ullswater Hopper Bus is good for our community, good for local business and good for the environment,” said Daniel Holder, local business owner and one of the trustees of SITU.
“The prospect of living and working in one of England’s most beautiful valleys, where the roads become safe to ride cycles on again is very exciting.”
Supported to date by grants and local business pledges and donations, the Ullswater Hopper Bus plays a key role in supporting the local economy, improving access to walking routes and attractions, and protecting the natural environment by helping to reduce traffic and emissions in the valley.
It will also support SITU’s wider sustainable transport ambitions. Alongside the bus service, SITU is developing plans for a new cycle route to complement the Eamont Way, established in 2023.
The aim is to create a direct, safe, comfortable, and family-friendly cycling route between Penrith Railway Station and Ullswater.
A potential scenic route has been identified in principle, and SITU is currently working with Westmorland & Furness Council to engage stakeholders and undertake feasibility and engineering studies. A portion of the funds raised through the crowdfund will help progress this vital project.
Together, the Ullswater Hopper Bus, the Eamont Way and the proposed cycle route together with the Ullswater Steamers represent a joined-up vision for sustainable access to Ullswater, one that prioritises people over cars, supports the local economy, and protects the natural environment: bus, bike, boat and boot.
Supporters can donate to the appeal and help shape the future of sustainable travel in Ullswater via https://www.justgiving.com/charity/S-I-T-U
