A NEW council-subsided bus service could make it easier for Thornbury commuters to leave the car at home.

Recently introduced changes in the bus network across South Gloucestershire include an important new daytime service from Thornbury to Bristol Parkway railway station and the University of the West of England.

Service 312 runs to Parkway, via Alveston, Almondsbury and Aztec West on weekdays only (not Bank Holidays) leaving Thornbury (Rock Street) every half hour from 5.16am. Onward services to MoD Abbey Wood and UWE's Frenchay campus start with the 6.41am service from Thornbury. The last bus from UWE arrives back at Rock Street at 7.13pm while the last rail link service leaves Parkway at 7.52pm and gets passengers back into Thornbury (Rock Street) at 8.13pm.

The new service operates in a loop around Thornbury from Rock Street via Gloucester Road, Severn View Road, Easton Hill Road, Knapp Road, Crossways Road, Morton Way, Grovesend Road, Avon Way, Streamleaze and Gillingstool.

Nathan Wrenn, from service operators Gloucestershire Bus and Coach, said the new service, introduced from last week, would play an important role in encouraging more Thornbury people to leave their cars at home.

"We're hoping it is going to be really popular, especially with work and college commuters who will now have a real public transport alternative."

The new service is part of a package of changes which have been introduced acrossthe distict following a review by South Gloucestershire Council. Most of changes affect services receiving cash support from the council

Council executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment Pat Hockey said they had focused resources on helping people get to work or education.

"If more people leave their cars at home and travel by bus, there will be fewer of the traffic jams which we all hate," she said.

Leaflets summarising the alterations to services in Thornbury as well as Filton, Kingswood and Yate are available at council one-stop shops, libraries and some sub-post offices. Timetable information can be obtained from www.southgloucestershirebus.co.uk, www.traveline.org.uk or by contacting Traveline on 0870 6082608 (open 7am-10pm daily). Information is also available on the council's website at www.southglos.gov.uk