The L8 bus is modelled on a similar scheme in Wolverhampton

A new bus service to ferry thousands of late-night revellers home from Cardiff's pubs and clubs has started this weekend.

From the early hours of Sunday, five new "L8" hourly buses began running from the city centre along routes to Ely, St Mellons, Llanrumney, Pontprennau, Thornhill, and Llanishen.

Security guards guard against trouble-makers and CCTV takes passengers' pictures as they get on.

The fare for the distinctive blue vehicle is �2, or �3 if passengers go into the city on a standard Cardiff Bus service and buy a Night Rider return ticket.

There are a lot of idiots on Saturday nights - let the bus take the idiots Cabbie David Miller

The buses are being brought in to help take home some of the 40,000 people who party in Cardiff every weekend.

"We are launching this service to alleviate the congestion on taxis at critical times, and if successful over six months, we will look to extend it," said Cardiff councillor Michael Michael.

The service runs from 0020 BST on Sunday to 0320 BST from Westgate Street.

Violence and drunkenness

But taxi drivers in Cardiff said they feared it could hit their business.

Dave Miller, a taxi driver for 16 years, said he hoped the buses would take some of the passengers cabbies did not want.

"I think the general view is we will see how it goes," he said.

"There are a lot of idiots on Saturday nights, let the bus take the idiots."

"I think there will be enough work for all of us," he added.

Mr Miller, a former chairman of the Cardiff Hackney Association, said violence and drunkeness were getting worse.

Taxi drivers already help each other identify trouble spots with the help of CB radio.

"A few of the drivers have said we could lose a bit of trade," added Mr Miller.

He also said the taxis would pick up trade when passengers had to travel outside the five core routes.

The service is being supported by a number of organisations which include Cardiff County Council, Cardiff Bus, South Wales Police, Cardiff Community Safety Partnership and Olympus Security.

Travellers can find out more about the service on 0870 608 2608.