A NEW subsidised bus service to Bristol is set to be launched later this year.

The commuter coach service will take passengers from Weston, via Clevedon, to business areas in North Bristol.

The Kings Ferry Ltd bus operator has been chosen by North Somerset Council to run the route after the authority agreed to provide kick-start funding through its Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Eight daily services will run during the morning and evening rush hours along the M5.

The service is due to be launched in the autumn and the exact routes will be determined in the coming months.

Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, executive member for transport, said it will help reduce traffic congestion going to Bristol’s North Fringe, with the council estimating 3,500 vehicles travel there from North Somerset every day.

Cllr Ap Rees said: “if the demand is sufficient, I see no reason why this shouldn’t become a commercially sustainable service once the kick-start funding expires.”

He added that users will find it more cost effective than driving every day too.

The coach firm, who are part of the National Express Group, will provide four new vehicles and operate two routes, the second starting from Portishead. They will have drinks machines, WIFI and TV screens onboard.

The council will fund the first two years while The Kings Ferry has committed to keep the service running for a least a further two years.

Its commercial director Danny Elford said: “Faced with inflation busting rail-fare price hikes and spiralling petrol prices, more and more commuters are taking the coach to work because it’s reliable, comfortable and great value for money.

“We have nearly 30 years of experience of running commuter coaches and we are certain this region has the fundamental elements needed for a successful service.”