In a significant move to revitalize regional connectivity and address longstanding transportation gaps, Cumberland Council has successfully rolled out its ambitious “Cumberland Go” initiative, a comprehensive overhaul of the local bus network that introduces 18 new and improved routes. This transformative program, supported by a substantial government investment exceeding £4 million, began its phased launch in late 2024 with the clear objective of making public transport a more viable, accessible, and environmentally friendly choice for residents across the area. The initiative represents a fundamental shift in local travel, aiming to seamlessly link communities, provide reliable access to essential services, and build a more sustainable transportation framework for the future. Early indicators suggest the program is not just meeting but exceeding expectations, signaling a new era for public transit in Cumberland.
A Network Built on Community Feedback
The architecture of the Cumberland Go network was meticulously crafted based on extensive feedback gathered directly from local communities, ensuring the final design addressed the most pressing needs of residents. The public’s call for more reliable services, greener vehicles, and better scheduling was a primary driver behind the improvements. A significant enhancement was the introduction of Sunday connections on several key routes, a long-requested feature that now provides seven-day-a-week mobility for many previously isolated areas. Furthermore, the strategic expansion focused on creating vital links between towns, rural villages, major employment centers, and critical public facilities. The new routes now provide direct or improved access to hospitals, health centers, colleges, and community hubs, effectively building a more cohesive and integrated transportation system that supports the daily lives of thousands.
This community-centric approach was not merely about adding more buses; it was a strategic redevelopment aimed at tackling regional isolation and promoting equitable access to opportunities. By increasing the frequency of services on popular corridors and launching entirely new routes to underserved locations, the program provides a realistic and attractive alternative to dependency on private vehicles. The initiative directly aligns with the broader goals outlined in the Cumberland Plan, which prioritizes creating a healthier, more connected populace. The expanded network encourages active travel by making it easier for people to walk to and from bus stops and contributes significantly to reducing the region’s carbon footprint. Ultimately, these enhancements serve as essential lifelines, enabling residents to reach workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare appointments, and leisure destinations with greater ease and reliability.
Early Success and Surging Passenger Numbers
The public reception to the Cumberland Go program has been overwhelmingly positive, with early performance data revealing an immediate and substantial shift in local travel behaviors. The initiative’s success is highlighted by the remarkable growth in passenger numbers, with some of the newly enhanced routes experiencing ridership increases of up to 50%. This surge indicates a significant pent-up demand for high-quality public transportation that the new network is successfully meeting. In December alone, approximately 18,000 journeys were completed on services supported by Cumberland Council, a figure that is projected to climb even higher as additional routes launched in January become fully established in the public’s daily routines. This strong initial performance underscores the program’s effectiveness in providing a dependable and convenient alternative to car travel for a growing number of residents.
Operated through a strategic partnership with local bus companies Reay and Stagecoach, the new and improved services are already demonstrating their immense value across the region. The high-frequency Route 300, connecting Workington and Carlisle every 30 minutes, has quickly become a vital corridor, recording over 4,160 trips per month. Similarly, the new Sunday service for Route 30, linking Maryport to Egremont and Cleator Moor, has been a major success, with 1,668 monthly journeys. The program’s impact extends to smaller community-focused routes as well; the Cockermouth Town Service (Route C123) is carrying 1,640 passengers monthly, while rural connectors like Route 60 between Silloth and Maryport are seeing 1,770 trips. Even specialized links, such as Route X7 providing a connection from Whitehaven toward Millom and Barrow, are proving essential with nearly 1,000 monthly journeys, validating the data-driven approach to the network’s design.
A Sustained Commitment to a Connected Future
The momentum from the initial launch continued into the new year with the introduction of several more strategically planned routes in January, each designed to address specific community needs and fill critical gaps in the network. Among the most significant of these is the new Route 600, a major service connecting Carlisle directly to the West Cumberland Infirmary via Cockermouth and Whitehaven, providing a crucial link for patients and healthcare staff. Another notable addition is Route HW1, a heritage-focused service from Carlisle to Gilsland and the Roman Army Museum, aimed at boosting local tourism and cultural access. Further enhancements include local services like Route DR1, which improves access to health centers in South Carlisle, and Route 1/1A, which connects Parton with key community assets like the Rosehill Theatre, demonstrating a continued commitment to broadening the program’s reach and impact.
Described by Cllr Denise Rollo, the Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, as a “genuine game changer,” the Cumberland Go initiative solidified its place as a cornerstone of the region’s vision for a greener, more accessible future. The investment was seen not merely as a transportation project but as a fundamental component of community well-being, delivering tangible results by reconnecting towns and villages. The program’s initial achievements were credited to the strong partnership between the council, the service operators, and, most importantly, the public, whose continued patronage affirmed the need for the expansion. The new, community-focused identity for transport in Cumberland successfully established a foundation for a more sustainable and interconnected region, proving that strategic investment in public transit could yield profound and immediate benefits for residents.
