The new service means party-goers will not have to walk home alone.

A successful trial of the scheme, partly funded by the city's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, ran during Christmas and New Year 2003.

Buses will operate on Friday and Saturday nights until about 0300 BST.

One will take in Barton Street, Coney Hill, Abbeydale and Barnwood. The other Quedgeley, Lower Tuffley and Podsmead.

Improving safety

The bus fare will cost �2.20, with party-goers either paying on board or using tickets bought from the town's major clubs and pubs.

Police are backing the scheme, which was initiated by the city's Licensed Victuallers Association and will be operated by bus operator Stagecoach.

Funding has come jointly from the city's pubs and clubs, who have donated up to �500 each to support the buses, and from Gloucester City Council.

"These buses should mean there is absolutely no excuse for anyone to drink and drive as they enjoy the late summer evenings," said Dean Walker, Superintendent for the Forest and Gloucester Division.

"We hope this bus will go some way to preventing the crime and disorder that is associated with alcohol as well as improving public safety and reducing the fear of crime.

"It will also make going home safer for a lot of party-goers as they will no longer have to walk home alone."