The multi-million-pound Portway Park and Ride station, backed by both government and local authority funding, will be the first station to open in Bristol in almost a century.

As of tomorrow, regular services will run from the accessible, single-platform station 7 days a week along the Severn Beach railway line, taking passengers into the city centre of Bristol in just 24 minutes.

Managed by Great Western Railway (GWR), the new station will ease congestion on local roads and provide an additional transport option for the 9,000 people who work in the surrounding area.

It will also support local growth by improving access to the Avonmouth and Temple Quarter Enterprise Zones, which are expected to create 31,000 new jobs by 2050.

Mark Harper, Transport Secretary said:

"Today’s opening of Portway Park and Ride Station is the latest example of this government’s plan to invest in infrastructure and grow the economy. It will provide a boost to Bristol and its surrounding area by improving local transport links while connecting passengers to business hubs and thousands of high-skilled job opportunities."

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said:

"I am incredibly proud and delighted to open Bristol’s first railway station in 96 years. Portway Park and Ride station will offer local people and commuters an efficient and sustainable travel option. Having boosted the number of free parking spaces at our park and ride site, it offers commuters more options to park up and catch a train or the bus."

Marcus Jones, Network Rail Western Route Director, said:

"This announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to transform rail travel for our passengers in and around Bristol and the wider West of England area."