Businesses join forces to secure 30 days of free summer travel
Published: 16th July 2012
The region’s popular FreeRider programme is back this summer and this time it’s bigger and better than ever, thanks to the continued support of local businesses.
This years South Lakes FreeRider service will run for 30 days, from next Monday 23rd July 2012 until Friday 31st August, Monday to Friday and will provide a completely free bus service around the South Lakes region for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Nigel Wilkinson, Managing Director for Windermere Lake Cruises said: “Last year’s scheme proved very successful and the fact it can continue this year is testament to the commitment of all the local businesses involved who have worked together to achieve this fantastic offer.”
This year the FreeRider route also includes the market town of Ulverston, home to many independent retailers and fantastic eateries, along with fun attractions such as the Laurel and Hardy Museum (Stan Laurel was born in the town), Ulverston Brewery, Swarthmoor Hall, The Hoad Monument and Conishead Priory and Buddhist Temple.
The new addition to the schedule has been secured by Ulverston Community Partnership along with traders from the town who have contributed significant funds to take part in the scheme.
Gavin Knott (Ulverston trader and resident) said: “The FreeRider scheme is a great idea – it eliminates the stresses of driving, parking and directions, not to mention saving on fuel costs, so we were all keen to be part of it. We value the opportunity to encourage people to visit Ulverston and hope it will help promote all the town has to offer on a longer term basis.”
David Unsworth of Unsworth’s Yard Brewery in Cartmel has also been involved in the route’s development and has worked with local traders in Cartmel to secure the route which also covers High Newton.
David said: “This is an important scheme and one that local businesses need to support to help develop and sustain visitor numbers to the region. In these economic times anything we can do to make travel around the region more accessible should be welcomed whole heartedly and I am confident the scheme will be as successful as last year.”
The 2012 service is the result of collaboration between the following local businesses:
- Windermere Lake Cruise
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Holker Hall
- Ducky’s Farm Park
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
- Haven Holiday Park
- Black Beck Caravan Park
- Rusland Pool Hotel
- Café Ambio
- Whitewater Hotel
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lakeside Hotel
- Yew Tree Barn
- Cartmel Traders
Financial backing from Ulverston Community Partnership and the Go Lakes Travel Programme, funded by the Department of Transport, has also contributed to the group’s successful collaboration and has helped fund the implementation of this great new way to get around.
The South Lakes FreeRider will run from 8:00 to approximately 18:00 on weekdays, transporting passengers between all participating businesses.
