Cumbrian MPs have welcomed the Government announcement that Cumbria will be among the first areas in the country to pilot new bus franchising powers, giving local authorities a greater say over how services are run.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister said: “I’m delighted that Cumbria has been chosen to lead the way in piloting new approaches to rural bus franchising. For too long, people in our towns and villages have faced unreliable and infrequent bus services that make it harder to get to work, school, healthcare appointments or simply to see family and friends.

“This pilot is about putting passengers first and making sure that decisions about local transport are made here in Cumbria. By giving councils greater control, we can better protect vital routes, connect isolated communities, and make sure that bus services work for local people and local economies.

“Better buses mean better opportunities – for young people accessing education and training, for businesses connecting to customers, and for older residents who rely on public transport to stay active and independent.

“I want to pay tribute to the hard work of Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, who have championed this initiative and worked tirelessly with local partners and Government to bring this opportunity to Cumbria.

“I’ll be working closely with the council, operators and residents to make sure this pilot delivers real improvements for the people I represent, and that Cumbria becomes a model for how rural transport can thrive.”

While Carlisle MP Julie Minns said: “Exciting news for our local area from the Government today.

“Thanks to excellent work from Cumberland Council a bus franchising pilot is coming to our area.

“We will be one of just 5 areas selected to pilot the new arrangements that will give the Council more control over local bus routes, helping deliver more reliable services for our communities and improving transport links for people right across our area.

“Well done Cllr Denise Rollo, Harrington & Salterbeck for putting Cumberland in the driving seat.”

Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham added: “Really great to see today’s announcement that Cumbria will be leading the way in piloting new bus franchising powers. This will allow us to start taking back control of our bus services.

“For too long our area has suffered because of our unreliable buses. Services have been cut – particularly in rural areas – and that has had a huge impact on people’s lives.

“The Cumbria pilot will allow us to look out how franchising could improve reliability, protect essential routes, and support local rural communities.”

The Cumbria pilot will explore how giving councils more control over local bus networks can improve reliability, protect essential routes, and expand access to jobs, schools, and services – especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities.