Great news! On 5th December 2025 the Government confirmed nearly £18 million over the next three years for Cumberland Council to invest in improvements to local bus services.
The funding can be used to deliver new bus services, purchase new buses, improve bus stops or assist with fares. I’ll be making representations to Cumberland Council about the improvements I want to see to the network and infrastructure in West Cumbria. I know the council shares my ambition.
This follows the £5 million already secured in 2025 which is delivering a number of new bus services and a programme of bus stop upgrades across West Cumbria and beyond. You can find out more about the new services in our area here: joshmacalister.uk/backthebus
I am so pleased to be hearing positive feedback about the new 1/1A, X7, 22/22A, 32 and 600 services, which are being used by tens of thousands of passengers every month.
Improving existing services
I know that existing bus services are not up to scratch. Although these are run by a private operator on a commercial basis – meaning that the operator is not accountable to me or to the council when those services are delayed or cancelled – I share all concerns raised with me with Stagecoach.
I recently referred Stagecoach to the DVSA who are now investigating whether they are meeting their obligations. They can refer them to the Traffic Commissioner to issue fines or take further action if they are found to be in breach of their obligations. I am awaiting the outcome of this investigation.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely and press Stagecoach to address any concerns that come through to my office.
You can contact Stagecoach with any questions about their services here
You can make a complaint about delays or cancellations here
I would love to hear your feedback about the new 32 and 7/X7 routes introduced on 1st December, or the new 1/1A, 22/22A and 600 services introduced on 5th January – good or bad! – get in touch with your experiences and any suggestions about how we can improve these services.