A new commuter coach service has been launched between Newport and Bristol.

Zeelo, which runs a 'shared transportation service', has launched the new commuter service, which it says will 'give commuters in the region a more direct and cost effective option between the two cities'.

Newport has recently emerged as a commuter hotspot for families and professionals working in Bristol, many of whom are taking advantage of cheaper property prices on this side of the Severn and the recent scrapping of the Severn tolls.

According to property website Zoopla’s Commuters Affordability Index, Newport was ranked as one of the top commuter towns into Bristol alongside Cwmbran due to the low combined annual mortgage and season ticket costs in the region.

The new route from Zeelo has been designed in response to the increasing costs and crowded conditions that commuters currently face on public transport when travelling between the two cities in the early mornings and early evenings.

The service will start running on May 7 and those using it will be taken from south east Wales directly into Bristol city centre.

It will cost from £6 one way and users will get a guaranteed seat, access to fold down tables and free wi-fi on-board.

To celebrate the launch of the new service, Zeelo is offering anyone who signs up to the waiting list on its website a free week of travel between the two cities. Users who join the list will also have the opportunity to win further rewards such as free travel on the service for an entire month. The website is travel.zeelo.co/waiting-list/.

Barney Williams, co-founder and CMO at Zeelo, said: "For many people living in Newport and working in Bristol, commuting between the two cities on public transport can be an expensive and stressful affair.

"Our research found that 66 per cent of people who come in from Newport to Bristol every day for work still drive between the two cities because of overcrowded train services and service issues outside of their control.

"This has a negative effect on staff productivity as congestion is increased on the M4 and they are forced to sit and wait in traffic without being able to make the most of their time.

"We’ve created the service to offer commuters in Newport a new convenient, comfortable and cost-effective travel option that allows them to relax and catch up on what’s most important to them before they start their day while also helping businesses in the local region boost the wellbeing of their staff."