NINE new, low emission buses will serve the Lakes.

The £3m investment by Stagecoach will help cut carbon emissions in the county.

The double decker buses benefit from tables, charging ports and next stop announcements.

Rob Jones, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We are delighted to be announcing these nine new low emission vehicles which represent a significant investment in our services for the local community.

"We are also pleased to have had a really good year of progress against our sustainability strategy, in particular the order for our new low emission buses in Kendal.

“Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, and the specific pressures that are being faced in the public transport sector, as the country’s biggest bus and coach operator, Stagecoach is continuing to play a leading role in decarbonising the sector and we are working hard towards our target to become a net zero business by 2050 with a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.

“Our services are critical to rebuilding the country’s economy and levelling up communities.

"As well as the steps we are taking to decarbonise our own business, it is equally important for national and local government and transport operators to work together to maximise the benefits of the bus to meet the country’s aspirations of a net zero future.”

Westmorland MP Tim Farron helped launch the buses. He said: "These buses are comfortable and environmentally friendly and should help boost confidence in public transport in Cumbria, helping us get towards net zero.

“We need public transport to be affordable and there to be more of it, but if we have better quality vehicles like this, it will encourage more people to use it and hopefully play a part in reducing congestion in the Lakes.”

The new buses were launched at Low Wood Bay hotel in Windermere and guests were taken to Grasmere.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, added: “It’s really important that families and people visiting the Lakes use public transport and these buses with their tables and comfortable seats will give them the experience to encourage them to do that.”