HC Deb 20 May 2002 vol 386 cc126-7W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what improvements have been made to rural transport in Cumbria to increase access to health services. [57000]

Ms Keeble

Government funding has enabled Cumbria county council to increase the frequency of many rural bus routes facilitating access to health services. Recent community transport enhancements includeWigton town service Cumbria Plusbus (Kirkby Stephen area) Rural fells project (Caldbeck) Community buses (brokerage schemes) Voluntary social car schemes Rural wheels—an innovative demand responsive service. Pilot being developed in South Cumbria using smartcard technology. Enhancements to conventional bus services include: Service X35 (Kendal—Barrow) provides access to both Westmorland hospital in Kendal and Furness general in Barrow. Service 59 (West Cumbria to West Cumberland hospital) dial-a-ride service for evening visiting. Service 58 (Maryport—Cockermouth) will be extended shortly to serve the health centre in Maryport; already serves Cockermouth hospital. Service X12 (Coniston—Ulverston) will extend on request to the hospital/health centre in Ulverston.