Ulverston bus routes axed because of low passenger numbers (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Ulverston bus routes axed because of low passenger numbers

2:58pm Monday 26th March 2012 in News

LOW passenger numbers are being blamed for the axing of two Ulverston bus routes.

Cumbria County Council is replacing the 510 service, which runs between Barrow and Ulverston, and the 511 route, which runs between Broughton and Ulverston, with a ‘Village Wheels’ scheme.

The scheme would charge users an initial £5 which will be credited to a smartcard they can use to pay for travel.

A new timetable, along with details of how to use the scheme, will be distributed in the area later this month.

Coun James Airey, who represents the Ulverston West ward, said the council had worked hard with the community to safeguard the two routes.

But he added: “A major campaign was launched to encourage people to use local bus services. Unfortunately this hasn't worked and, as user numbers continue to fall, we must protect all taxpayers’ money and look for other viable alternatives for those people who need public transport.”

Coun Janet Willis, who represents Low Furness, said: “While it’s disappointing that there are not the number of passengers to keep the existing services viable, Village Wheels will provide transport for those essential journeys.”