Rural on-demand bus service to expand

More residents will gain access to a rural on-demand bus later this month.

In July, Westmorland and Furness Council launched a bus in Ulverston that could be booked in advance over the phone or online. The local authority said the bus had carried out 367 journeys in its first month of operation.

The service will now expand to Penrith from 14 September. Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Waite said the bus had the potential to be "transformational" for rural communities.

"It can help people access jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities, while also reducing isolation and giving people greater independence," he said.

The service is funded by government's rural mobility fund and works by grouping requests together based on similar journey request times and routes.

Booking for the new Penrith service, which includes villages such as Appleby, Newbiggin and Millhouse, opens from 7 September.

The service will run from Monday to Sunday with adult return journeys costing £8. Meanwhile senior citizens and disabled pass holders can purchase return tickets for £4.

Waite said the Penrith service would be free of charge for its first two weeks and encouraged residents to book a ride.

"I think people will be surprised just how easy and convenient it is," he said.

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