By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 13:56, Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Bus company Reays has expanded into the Lake District and is launching Carlisle-Penrith and Penrith-Keswick services in the autumn.

The Wigton firm will create at least 20 jobs at a new depot at Gilwilly Industrial Estate in Penrith.

And it says more routes in west Cumbria could follow later this year.

Reays took on Stagecoach by launching the City Hopper network in Carlisle in 2010.

Its latest innovation is the Lakes Hopper, five journeys a day from Keswick to Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere and Bowness with additional buses on the Grasmere-Bowness section.

Two start from Carlisle and run via Penrith and Keswick to Bowness, giving a full day in the Lake District.

These through journeys leave Carlisle at 6.40am and 8.30am daily, returning from Bowness at 4.35pm and 5.40pm.

Reays has also won contracts from Cumbria County Council to run the 105 Penrith-Greystoke circular and 106 Penrith-Kendal routes from September 1.

It will launch regular Carlisle-Penrith and Penrith-Keswick services from that date, competing directly with Stagecoach’s 104 and X4/5.

The Reays buses will connect at Penrith bus station, enabling through journeys from Carlisle to Keswick.

Managing director Chris Reay said: “Our success is based on two things – providing a good, reliable service and value for money. It works in Carlisle and we think it will work anywhere in Cumbria.

“There will be 20 more jobs for full and part-time PCV drivers and additional staff, taking our total workforce past 150 for the first time in our 30-year history.”

Reays is offering special tickets for the Lakes Hopper.

A day ticket for £10 allows unlimited travel between Carlisle, Keswick and Bowness while a Group Hopper – for two adults and up to two children – is £19.50. Timetable details at www.reays.co.uk or 016973 49999.

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk