Bid for extra community bus to tourist hotspot
SITUSurging passenger numbers on a community bus to a tourist hotspot has prompted an appeal for an extra vehicle.
The Ullswater Hopper launched three years ago to provide travel in the Ullswater Valley in the Lake District.
Community-led Sustainable Integrated Transport for Ullswater (Situ), which is behind the project, steadily increased the number of days it run the service, from 37 in 2023 to 115 in 2025.
Passenger numbers reached almost 6,000 last year, with services often reaching capacity at peak times, SITU said. The group now wants to raise £65,000 to add a second service to help meet growing demand and reduce congestion in the valley.
"The Ullswater Hopper Bus has exceeded all expectations," said Michael Firth, chairman of Situ.
"The growth over just three years shows that, when a well-designed, reliable service is provided, people will choose buses over cars."
PA MediaThe Ullswater Hopper runs on weekends and bank holidays between March and November, with daily services during the summer.
It connects holiday accommodation around the valley with destinations such as Pooley Bridge, Howtown and the Ullswater Steamers.
The £65,000 appeal will help fund the operational cost of a second bus, with plans in place to run the service for more days than last year.
Situ said it hoped increased capacity would mean reducing costs, with subsidies of about £6 per passenger needed to run the service so far supported by grants and businesses.
Daniel Holder, a trustee of Situ, said the bus supported local companies.
He added: "The prospect of living and working in one of England's most beautiful valleys, where the roads become safe to ride cycles on again, is very exciting."
