Boost for city commuters with cross-border service

22 October 2008

Cumbria County Council is to fund a cross-county-border rural bus service for commuters travelling to Newcastle each day for work.

The council said it listened to people in the Alston area who wanted a registered bus service to take them to work, and has agreed to fund a six-month trial. Northumberland County Council has also indicated a willingness to work with the council to fund and promote the service.

To prove the operation has a viable service, at least 50% of its costs will need to be covered by fares, and around 18 passengers will have to use the bus both mornings and evenings on the section of the route between Nenthead and Hexham – with five or more of those passengers travelling for work-related purposes on a regular basis.

Cllr Alan Clark, cabinet member for transport, said: ‘It’s important that people in rural areas have an opportunity to travel by public transport to work.’ Operated by Wright Brothers, the service will start operating on 3 November.

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