Bus firms urged to apply to run new Cumbrian routes

Councillor Denise Rollo warned not all of the council's proposed services may end up being launched

Bus companies are being asked to submit bids to run new routes to help improve public transport across the region.

Cumberland Council recently approved plans to expand bus services and has now opened the procurement process to firms wishing to operate them.

The additional services are being financed using £3.5m from the government's Bus Services Improvement Plan, and will run in areas where services are limited or commercially unviable.

Councillor Denise Rollo said the launch of the tender process was a "major milestone" in revitalising the council's transport infrastructure, but warned residents they risked losing subsidised services if they went unused.

"The long-term success of these services hinges on two things: strong operator engagement to deliver reliable routes, and active public use to keep them running," she said.

"To local residents, the message is simple - if you want buses, use them. Your travel choices today will help shape the services available tomorrow."

The council said it was funding a number of routes, which had recently been restored or reintroduced, such as the Number 60 from Silloth to Maryport.

The council previously said a number of new services were being considered but whether they were launched would depend on whether operators applied to run them.

Potential new routes included a service from Carlisle to Hadrian's Wall, Cockermouth to West Cumbria Hospital, Bootle to Millom, and a Whitehaven Town Loop.

Rollo has said not all of the new routes may attract tenders due to "market constraints, such as vehicle and driver availability".