£202,000 funding to extend Workington free shuttle service

Service reconnects town after floods destroyed links.

£202,000 Government funding will see the free rail shuttle service in Workington extended.

The hourly shuttle service reconnected the town of Workington following last year’s floods and will now run until 28 May 2010, having been initially contracted to run until the end of 2009.

The train service, runs from Workington to the temporary station built by Network Rail north of the river Derwent, called Workington North, Flimby and Maryport.

The current funding follows £750,000 from the Government which extended the shuttle to the beginning of May 2010.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: "This free shuttle service will continue to provide a vital link between the two halves of Workington while work continues on the town’s temporary road bridge."

"These services have helped to reunite the two sides of the town - it has enabled residents to visit family and friends, made it easier for children to get to school and helped people to get to work. I hope that the continuation of this service will make the lives of those affected a little easier."

Further information:
Department for Transport