Transport experts predict that the new £200million MetroBus network which is now being built is expected to attract an astounding five million passengers a year.

This compares with a typical Showcase bus route which annually carries between one and two million passengers in and out of Bristol.

In another comparison, the Severn Beach rail line which is rightly hailed as a success carried 1.2million passengers during the past 12 months.

Gavin Smith, secretary of the pressure group, Transport for Greater Bristol, said: "I cannot quote figures myself but I can't imagine this many passengers on the new network each year.

"The problem with MetroBus is that it is a subsidised service which means the city council will be helping to pay for out-of-town commuters travelling in and out of Bristol.

"The money should really be spent on re-opening rail stations and old track so that we have a proper metro system, just like other big cities."

Another campaigner, Christina Biggs said there were concerns about the effect of MetroBus on existing bus services.

MetroBus is aimed at providing a fast and reliable bus service on three routes in the Bristol area.

Although it has been panned by critics, the rapid bus scheme is expected to give thousands of commuters a viable alternative to using their car to get backwards and forwards to work.

South Gloucestershire Councillor Brian Allinson said: "Passengers will use MetroBus because it is quicker and more reliable over longer distances, saving up to 20 minutes on some of the longer journeys across the city centre.

"Direct routes between places means MetroBus will give people faster journeys, and many people will save time by not having to change buses.

"As soon as people see the time savings with MetroBus, I am sure they will become regular users"

"More people travel to work by bus than all other forms of public transport combined – and a fast, reliable service should make it even more attractive to more people, helping to take cars off the road and reduce carbon emissions."

Mr Allinson, who is transport leader for the West of England Partnership which is promoting the Metrobus project, said it would help 43 per cent of regular bus users who do not have access to a car to reach their place of work orf study.

He added: "All MetroBus vehicles will be wheelchair accessible, with raised platforms at stops making it easier for everyone to get on and off the buses."

The new MetroBus single deckers will have twin doors to make it quicker for passengers to get on and off. There will be fewer stops - a total of 90 - which will mean quicker journey times.

Passengers will be able to use Oyster-style "smart" cards so they don't have to pay when they board a bus.

Instead, they will be able to pre-pay for their card on the internet at home or on their iphone.

The partnership's forecast on the number of passengers is based on "passenger journeys" which means that one person will use the system more than once, possibly many times during the course of a year.

The forecast was compiled by consultants commissioned by the partnership,using guidelines laid down by the Department for Transport and which checked the figures.

The three MetroBus routes:

+ Ashton Vale to Bristol Temple Meads: Cost £54million and expected to carry 1million passengers a year. Due to open late next year;

+ Northern fringe of Bristol to Hengrove: Cost £102million and expected to carry about 3.4million passengers a year. Due to open by the summer, 2017;

+ South Bristol Link (Ashton Vale to Hengrove): Cost £47million and due to carry about 600,000 passengers a year. Due to open late next year.

Total cost: £203million

Source: BristolPost