Stagecoach has introduced new bus timetables across Cumbria in partnership with Cumberland Council.

This includes increased frequencies on many routes and a new service restoring links to Rockcliffe, Cargo, Blackwell, and Durdar.

The fare cap allows passengers to travel on any route for £2.

Full details are on the Stagecoach website.

Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: "The fare cap provides a great opportunity to experience our improved bus services at a bargain price."

Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire (Image: Supplied) "We know existing customers will welcome the increased frequencies and new routes and we hope the convenience of having more journeys will encourage non-bus users to leave their cars at home and give the bus a go."

The changes include several routes with improved connections.

64, Carlisle to Kingstown Asda now extends to give three weekday buses to Blackwell and Durdar and six to Rockcliffe and Cargo.

685, Carlisle to Newcastle has a new weekday timetable with a minor route change around Melkridge and an improved hourly Sunday service through to Newcastle.

300, Carlisle to Workington now runs every half-hour instead of hourly on weekdays, hourly on Sundays, with most journeys continuing as service 30 to Whitehaven and then either Thornhill or Frizington.

400, Carlisle to Silloth and 600, Carlisle to Cockermouth have minor changes designed to coordinate better with the 300 between Carlisle and Wigton.

60, Skinburness to Silloth and Workington is a new service.

554, Carlisle to Keswich, has a winter timetable with one more journey Monday to Friday when compared to last year.

X4/X5, Penrith to Keswick and Workington has a new winter timetable with a half-hourly service on weekdays and an hourly on Sundays.

The new timetables mark the initial phase of a £2.5 million bus service improvement plan funded via Cumberland Council.

Mr Waterhouse added: "We’re keen to work with Cumberland Council to deliver better services enabling more people to use the bus for journeys to school, college, and work, and for shopping, medical appointments, and leisure.

"Bus travel is better for the environment, helps to cut traffic congestion, and is easier on your pocket.

"You’d struggle to park a car for £2, never mind the fuel.