The summer bus service works on a 'hail-and-ride' basis

Community group Menter Aberteifi led a campaign to raise funds for the route, which operates again from 30 June.

The "hail and ride" link came to a halt in 2006 when European Objective 1 funding dried up after two years.

Both tourists and local people used the service, known as Cardi Bach, which ran between Cardigan and New Quay.

Alan Wilson, a Cardigan councillor and chairman of Menter Aberteifi, said it was vital the service resumed this summer because a new section of the Ceredigion coastal path was expected to open.

He said the bus had been popular with 1,000 passengers in 2004 and 1,600 in 2005.

In talks

"In co-operation with Ceredigion Council we have been working to get funding in place for the service," added Mr Wilson.

"There's a possibility it could be taken over and run next year as well, but we're currently in talks about that."

From the end of the month there will be two services six days a week. The bus will not run on a Wednesday when another service will cover part of the route.

It will once again pass through the remote communities of Ferwig, Mwnt, Aberporth, Tresaith, Llangrannog, Cwmtydu and Penbryn.

Councillor Ian ap Dewi, who represents Penbryn, said for some of the communities Cardi Bach was the only bus service in the area.

"I am very happy the service is up and running again, and I'm confident it will be used," he added.

Funding for Cardi Bach has come from Ceredigion Council, Mid Wales Tourism Partnership, Countryside Council for Wales and local community councils.