Around half a million pounds worth of brand new buses are going into service on the X35 route between Barrow and Kendal.
Cumbria County Council has spent £158,000 each on the three special low-floor double decker buses which are being formally launched at Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, half-way along the X35 route, at 12.15pm on Tuesday, 28th February.
The low floor buses were specially commissioned by the county council to offer full access to everyone and paid for with money won for the route from the government's Rural Bus Challenge scheme.
Tim Heslop, county council spokesman economy, will be on hand to officially launch the new the new vehicles. He said: "The X35 is an excellent service. We spend a lot of money supporting it and the investment is paying off as the number of passengers using the X35 has doubled over the last few years. Now we’ve bought three new buses with the Rural Bus Challenge money so the service will be even better, particularly for people with mobility problems.”
The buses will be highly recognisable in their distinctive blue and green liveries and the fares for the route - just £3.85 return to go between Barrow and Kendal in around one hour and fifteen minutes each way - displayed on the outside of the bus.
The buses are Dennis Tridents with bodies specially made by East Lancashire coachbuilders Lolyne Myllenium. They have space for a wheelchair and 79 seats with extra leg room for improved passenger comfort.
All members of the media are invited to attend