Local residents have welcomed the announcement that Megabus will be running services from Carlisle to London.

Two services a day are set to leave Carlisle for the capital, including an overnight service which arrives in London at 6:30am.

The route, which goes via Lancaster, Preston, Manchester and Birmingham, is part of a new timetable from Megabus designed to “better match services with customer demand”.

Some services from Carlisle will also travel direct to Newcastle before heading down to London. 

Direct services from Carlisle to Glasgow will also come in as part of the new services.

Judith Gale said that the news had ‘made her day’

“This can’t be true - How amazing,” said Judith.

“No more cancelled, delayed, postponed or disappointing train journeys.”

The operator of train services from Carlisle to London, Avanti West Coast has been under pressure from politicians and has faced calls to have its franchise stripped.

Whilst the reaction from most was positive, some residents said that more focus should be given to improving local transport networks whilst others suggest that more Megabus stops in Cumbria would be useful.

“It would be helpful to have reliable local transport like a Carlisle to Hexham service,” said Gwyneth Wilde.

A report, written by climate group ‘Possible’, suggested a series of ‘X’ services between Sunderland and Barrow-in-Furness and Workington and Middlesbrough which the group said could ‘transform’ regional connectivity.

“Even where there is a bus service, such as between Workington and Penrith, the current X4 bus takes one hour 45 minutes, compared to 45 minutes in a car, as it has 54 stops.

"So, an express service could be transformative for the region,” said the report.

The number of buses and coaches using Carlisle roads has fallen by more than a tenth over the last nine years, new figures show.

The RAC said the fall is "disappointing", while the Campaign for Better Transport urged the Government to work with local authorities and bus operators to expand and improve bus services.

Cumberland Council has announced a range of proposals aimed at transforming the bus network across the region.

The first phase of the bus service improvement plan will see significant enhancements to bus services this autumn.

The council has been working with members, bus operators, and community stakeholders to develop strategies to revamp and expand services.

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The changes include the reintroduction of the Route 60 bus service between Silloth and Maryport, as well as improvements to the Rockcliffe to Durdar Route 101.

The Workington to Carlisle Route 300 will see an increase in frequency, with buses running every 30 minutes.

A brand-new service, Route 57, connecting Maryport, Dearham, Broughton Moor, and Workington, has been introduced following community discussions.

Sunday services on Route 30, connecting Egremont, Frizington, and Maryport, will now run every 30 minutes, while the Millom Town Service, Route M1, has been reinstated.