SWANSEA'S much-vaunted Metro bus will be the first vehicle to use a new bus lane next week.

The Swansea Metro — nicknamed the bendy bus — is set to hit the roads of Swansea next year.

However, it will make a special journey along the newly constructed express bus lane on Tuesday.

The road, built specifically for public transport, will help speed up journeys for commuters travelling from the Landore park and ride site.

The route will travel alongside the main railway line into the city centre and bypass busy roads including Neath Road, Dyfatty Street and parts of High Street.

Transport officials at Swansea Council are confident the new £2.8 million fast track into the city will provide visitors and commuters bound for the city centre with a viable alternative to the car when making their journey.

As well as providing a quick link to the city centre for park and ride vehicles, the route will also cater for Swansea Metro services and express Swansea Valley bus services.

Geoff Sheel, interim head of transportation in Swansea Council said: "The new express road will provide buses travelling from Landore park and ride with a much quicker route into the city centre. Other public transport will also be able to utilise the road for faster access to and from the city centre."

John Hague, cabinet member for the environment said: "We are continuing our efforts to make public transport the popular choice of transport for people visiting the city centre.

"Park and ride in Swansea has an excellent reputation in terms of public transport. Those already using it will benefit greatly from the quicker journey times."

Funding for the scheme has come via an Assembly transport grant and Objective One.