20/5/2009 - Bus boost for Copeland

An extra bus journey will be on the timetable from next week thanks to Cumbria County Council.

Starting on Tuesday (May 26) a later afternoon service is going to run from Monday to Friday between Whitehaven and Seascale (Service 6) during the college holidays, on a year-long trial period.

The trial is being funded by the county council’s local committee for Copeland at a cost of around £2,500 following discussions with local people who raised concerns about reduced opportunities for travelling back from Whitehaven out of term time.

Prior to September 2008 there had been a later afternoon Whitehaven to Seascale service during the holidays - operated by Stagecoach - but this was withdrawn meaning the last bus on the route left Whitehaven at 1.45pm. 

So in response to concerns raised, the local committee decided last month to fund the trial that will be operated by coach company 3D Travel.

If the trial is successful and sufficient numbers use the extra journey, which leaves Whitehaven at 4.45pm, it could become a permanent fixture. The trial will also provide a later link from Seascale to Whitehaven, leaving Seascale at 5.48pm.

As well as the extra journey on the Service 6 during the college holidays, other improvements are being introduced to the service from Tuesday.

The 12.45pm bus from Whitehaven will be diverted to run via St Bees instead of via Moor Row and the West Cumberland Hospital, while the 1.45pm is going to run between Whitehaven, Moor Row, the hospital and Seascale rather than St Bees.

In effect this has simply seen the 12.45pm follow the route of the old 1.45pm service and vice versa, with the aim of providing a later return from the West Cumberland Hospital towards Seascale 

These timetable changes have been introduced following a public meeting held in Seascale, where people discussed passenger transport issues, and using feedback from borough and county councillors. 

ENDS

Media enquiries to media officer John Ballard on 01228 226330.