A BUS route between Portishead and Bristol will be replaced over the next few months by three new services with buses with free WiFi and leather seats.

The new X2, X3 and 23 services began on Sunday and follow a similar route to the old 347, 358 and 359. However, the X2 will operate via Pill for all journeys to and from Bristol and the X3 will miss Pill but serve Portbury Wharf on all journeys.

Bus operator First says the new route marks a significant improvement on the current service and new vehicles with WiFi and leather seats will come into service over the next few months.

Simon Ford, regional network manager for First in South West and Wales, said: “The changes being made to the services between Portishead and Bristol are really exciting.

“The new routes will offer customers more frequent, more consistent timetables and better buses.

“They are positive developments which have been made possible through partnership working with North Somerset Council and the award of some funding from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.”