Among the changes will be an improved service to the city's Kingmoor Park estate, with two new low floor buses for the area.

The Department of Transport says the £738,000 grant will also be used to improve timetables at many of the city's bus stops.

This will include large screen displays which could help people with literacy problems.

The grant, from the Urban Bus Challenge, will also provide funding for a dial-a-ride service for voluntary groups and disabled people.

Cumbria County Council member with responsibilty for transport, Kevan Wilkinson, said the cash was a much-needed boost for public transport users.