A 'SHORTAGE of drivers' has led to a reduced timetable on some of Carlisle bus services this week. 

Stagecoach will be operating with temporary daily service reductions planned for the 61 and 67 buses which began today (July 18), and is forecasted to last until the end of this week (July 22). 

The bus provider have said they are taking "proactive" steps to introduce summer timetables for the 61 and 67 service to help alleviate the problem. 

A spokesperson from Stagecoach said: "As with many industries across the country, we are continuing to face a short-term staffing situation that is out of our control due to the shortage of professional drivers. As a result, this is having an impact on our bus services in Carlisle. 

"Our team are working incredibly hard given the current circumstances to ensure the vast majority of local services are running. We will continue to update passengers on services impacted via our website and social media channels with as much notice as possible.

READ MORE: Ill-health residents left deprived following Carlisle bus network changes

"We are also taking proactive steps to introduce summer timetables for the 61 and 67 services from next week, to help give our customers certainty on the buses operating," they said. 

The following routes will not operate until Friday (July 22). 

Service 61

West Tower Street to Harraby - 06:36

Morton to Harraby - 06:46, 07:36, 08:06, 08:56, 09:26, 10:26, 10:46, 11:46 & 13:06

Harraby to Morton - 06:58, 07:28, 08:18, 08:48, 10:08, 11:08, 11:28, 12:28 & 13:48

English Street to Morton - 10:09

Service 67

Berkeley Grange to Upperby - 06:23

West Tower Street to Upperby - 12:35 & 13:11

Belle Vue to Upperby - 07:38, 09:02, 10:26, 13:38, 14:14, 15:02, 15:38, 16:26 & 17:02

Upperby to Belle Vue - 07:00, 08:24, 09:48, 11:12, 13:00, 13:36, 14:24, 15:00, 15:48, 16:24 & 17:48

READ MORE: Stagecoach reduced bus service timetable for a week starting Monday July 18