Council reaffirms commitment to providing free bus travel across the area for eligible ‘bus pass’ holders.
Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), Westmorland and Furness Council offer access to free public bus travel for residents who are of state pension age or have eligible disabilities.
At Cabinet yesterday, Councillors have approved the extension of the localised programme that has been designed to meet the needs of bus users across Cumbria. Pass holders will continue benefiting from fare-less bus travel between 9:30am and 11:30pm daily until March 2026 when administrative details of the scheme will be reviewed.
The decision reflects the Council’s commitment to ensuring access to essential travel options that enhance the quality of life of residents and create resilient, well-connected communities.
Cllr John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services said: “Our continued support for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme reflects our commitment to advocating for affordable and inclusive transport options for all.
“This is really important scheme which empowers people through greater freedom to move around. It helps our residents to stay socially connected by broadening access to public transport options across our area.
“This service takes us one step closer to achieving our vision of establishing a network of viable bus routes and encourages more people to choose this as their preferred mode of transport.”
Doreen, a local resident from Kendal, shared how the scheme impacts her life: “I’m 84 and don’t drive, so my bus pass is my lifeline. I use it to travel into the Lake District, and I really look forward to my trips out.”
Other council-led initiatives also address the transport needs of younger residents, including the A2B Now card, which offers reduced fares on all local bus services, and the 16-19 Education Travel Bursary, a £300,000 fund to help young people cover travel costs for education or training.
More good news is in store as 30 new bus services have been provisionally earmarked to benefit from £1.7 million Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding awarded to Westmorland and Furness Council.
Subject to a procurement process, the proposed enhancements will increase the frequency, reach, and reliability of bus services across the area and help meet increased demand for public transport across communities.
If you are of State Pension Age or registered to have a disability, you can apply for a bus pass at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
More information on the A2B Now scheme and 16-19 Education Travel Bursary can also be found on the Council’s website.