A new bus service targeting delegate goers at the new £83m International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) has been launched in Newport.
ICC Wales, which will attract conferences and delegates from around the world when it starts hosting events later this month, has teamed up with Newport Transport to provide the new route.
New electric powered buses are operating on the service to the convention centre, located next to the five star Celtic Manor Resort.
It runs from Newport Bus Station via Newport Train Station, Chepstow Road, Beechwood Park and Royal Oak Hill to new bus stops at the Celtic Manor Resort, ICC Wales and Coldra Court Hotel in Langstone, before returning along the same route.
During peak daytime hours between 9.25am and 3.25pm, it will also serve Treberth Estate in Newport to provide a new service residents living there.
As well as connecting visitors by bus and train to ICC Wales, the new route also provides an additional service to and from the city for Newport residents.
It will also transport staff to and from work at the Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales and allow other visitors direct access to Celtic Manor and the Coldra Court Hotel in Langstone for the first time.
ICC Wales chief executive Ian Edwards said: “ICC Wales is in a fantastic location close to the M4 motorway and Newport city centre, and it is important we capitalise on this accessibility with fast and convenient connections for our conference delegates, organisers and people working on events.
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“We thank Newport Bus for recognising this opportunity to open a new bus route and working with us to provide a sustainable and attractive new option for visitors travelling to ICC Wales by bus or train.
“Sustainability has been central to the design and our operational plans for ICC Wales and this new bus route will have a significant impact in encouraging our staff and visitors to use public transport.”
Newport Transport managing director, Scott Pearson, said:” We’re delighted to provide this new bus service.
"This is part of our on-going commitment to working with local and communities as well as contributing towards sustainable public transport. businesses ”
The first event at ICC Wales will the be annual conference of the Association of Stoma Care Nurses from September 15-17.