Over the past few months Cumbria County Council has been phasing out its financial support for scheduled bus services. Previously subsidised services may be withdrawn, or re-scheduled by the operator as a similar or reduced commercial service.
Changes to the timetable for 551/552 Kendal-Arnside service came into operation a couple of months ago (http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/544/931/6586/6592/41849113110.pdf). Timetables for the Kendal town services are unaffected, but those travelling further afield are advised to check travel times beforehand (http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/public-transport-road-safety/transport/publictransport/busserv/timetables/southlakeland.asp). In particular, there are reductions in the evenings to both the 555 services between Kendal and Ambleside and the X6 services (Kendal-Grange-Barrow).
Cumbria County Council is not publishing its usual county-wide winter timetable this year because of the uncertainty over the future of certain services so it’s best to check the website for information.
If you want to keep abreast of bus-related info, campaign for better bus services locally, or make suggestions and ask questions of the County Council’s Integrated Transport team or local bus operators why not join Kendal & District Bus Users Group (KADBUS)? The annual subscription is a very modest £2. For more details contact Barbara Colley (01539 821629, colleygarth@btopenworld.com).
Sarah Roberts
(Natland Parish Council’s KADBUS representative)