A new bus service linking east and central London will provide more spaces for drivers expected to abandon their cars when congestion charging begins next month.

The 388 from Hackney Wick to Mansion House via Bethnal Green is one of six new services into central London being introduced in the run-up to the charge.

It is part of the biggest package of bus improvements to central London in 50 years, to allow an extra 11,000 commuters onto the buses at rush hour.

And transport chiefs hope the better services will persuade more Tube commuters to take the bus as well.

388 route

Victoria Park Road Cambridge Heath Bethnal Green Bethnal Green Road Liverpool Street Station Bank

Congestion charging, which will see motorists pay a �5 fee to drive into central London, begins on 17 February.

London Buses managing director Peter Hendy said: "One of the clear messages through a lot of public research is that people would like the public transport service to be better before they transfer to it.

"Clearly if we are not brave enough to improve it, we will not provide the opportunity for people to move."

The 388 will be the first local bus service for the residents of the Victoria Park Road area in Hackney.

Thirteen low-floor double deck buses fitted with CCTV will be used on the service.

The route will be run by Hackney Community Transport which is a community-based operator.