Improving bus services and connecting communities to reliable, frequent routes has been one of the key policies of the incoming Labour government.

Cumbrian councils are set to be given more powers to overhaul bus services across the region as part of a government plan. 

A package of measures to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services has been unveiled today by the transport secretary Louise Haigh.

Legislation is being laid before Parliament which will give all local transport authorities across England new powers to run their own bus services – powers previously limited to mayoral combined authorities.

The move means that local leaders across the country can deliver services in a way that suits the needs of their communities.

The government has also launched a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support for local leaders looking to bring services into public control.

The government hope that the new guidance will help break down barriers to local control of bus services, speeding up the process and bringing down costs.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, transport secretary, Louise Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out.

“After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.

“And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before.

“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.”

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across the country, but have been cut back in recent years across Cumbria. 

The number of miles covered by bus services in Cumbria has fallen by a fifth over the last decade, new figures show.

It comes as bus services across England have been cut severely over the same time period.

The Campaign for Better Transport said declining bus provision is "disappointing" and called for a long-term funding strategy.

Department for Education figures show bus companies in Cumbria provided 8.2 million miles of services in the year to March – up from 7.8 million the year before.

In 2012-13, 10.4 million miles were provided, meaning bus coverage has been cut by 21 per cent over the last decade.

The move has been welcomed by Cumbria’s new Labour MPs who were elected in the July general election.

“For almost 40 years local bus services have declined and declined,” said Carlisle MP, Julie Minns

“All because of Tory ideology that wrongly believed the market would deliver for passengers.

“Labour have taken a step toward righting that wrong.”

Bus services have declined in their output over the past decade and Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh McAlister has revealed his plans for bus services in the area.

Mr MacAlister has called for a new service connecting Gosforth, Seascale, Egremont and into Whitehaven.

He has also a called for a longer-term solution for the 217 Frizington to Cockermouth service and for buses to be brought back to Parton and also connecting Moresby Parks into town.

Cumberland Council has also announced a range of proposals aimed at ‘transforming’ the bus network this autumn

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

In partnership with Stagecoach, the council hopes to deliver a more reliable and accessible network that connects communities across the region.

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.

Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach, said: "We are proud to be working in partnership with Cumberland Council on the first phase of the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

"We have a shared ambition to grow the local bus network here in Cumbria, connecting more communities and making it easier to travel in a more environmentally sustainable way.

"We are excited about growing the local bus network together."

Bus services in Carlisle have been strongly criticised of late with one resident branding them ‘not fit for purpose’.

Leanne Stevenson said that frequent cancellations, late services and broken-down buses have made the service ‘unusable’ in Carlisle.

In response, Stagecoach said that they have been able to operate more than 97 per cent of services despite a number of ‘challenges’.

Going forward, Cumberland Council are looking at the option of bringing more services in house and setting up a municipal bus company according to Cllr Denise Rollo.

“As a transport authority we would like to declare that we will be exploring this option,” said Cllr Rollo, who is the portfolio holder for sustainable, resilient and connected places on Cumberland Council.

READ MORE: Brand new Carlisle to London Megabus route arriving in September

"Many will know that recently we have set up a closer working partnership with Stagecoach but these powers would take it another step forward.

"[Transport secretary] Louise Haigh announced she would deliver a 'bus revolution' and that is what is needed in Cumberland."

Cllr Rollo said that it was still at a very early stage but it was a case of "watch this space".