£1.7M Boost to Protect and Expand 25 Cumbrian Bus Routes More Services Could Be Coming!

A £1.7 million funding boost from the UK Government will help protect and enhance bus services across Cumbria, with Westmorland & Furness Council confirming plans to maintain 25 existing routes and investigate the introduction of up to seven new services starting in 2026.
The funding comes from the Local Authority Bus Grant programme, which supports councils in sustaining vital public transport links especially in rural areas where services have often struggled to remain financially viable.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland & Furness Council’s cabinet member for transport, said the investment demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to improving public transport “across the length and breadth” of the area, building on previous improvements since 2023.
The council says the continued support for bus services will help residents access employment, education, healthcare and essential services, while also contributing to environmental goals by encouraging people to use public transport instead of private cars. It’s estimated that the supported services could generate around 218,000 passenger journeys per year and reduce car usage significantly.
In addition to preserving the existing network, the council will assess the feasibility of introducing seven new services which could provide enhanced connections between towns and communities that lack frequent bus links. Routes being considered include expanded services around Barrow, Grange-over-Sands, Penrith, and other areas.
Council officials say details on the exact routes and timetable changes will be published once agreements with operators are finalised. The funding announcement is welcomed by local residents and transport campaigners who have long advocated for reliable bus services to support rural connectivity.