A temporary bus service is set to launch next week ahead of a new Fastrack route.

Operated by Go Coach, the C2 will run every 30 minutes and cover areas across Ebbsfleet Garden City and Gravesend.

The service has been funded by Kent County Council (KCC) and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation who are behind delivering the first garden city in 100 years.

They say it will provide important links between Castle Hill, Alkerden and Ebbsfleet International through to Garrick Street in Gravesend.

Residents will be able to access “key amenities” without having to rely on private transport.

It will be a temporary service until the new Fastrack contract begins in November.

It forms part of Ebbsfleet Garden City project – one of the largest regeneration schemes with proposals to deliver up to 15,000 homes, between Dartford and Gravesend, by 2035.

More than 15 years ago plans were approved to develop former quarry land at Whitecliffe into a mixed-use community.

Homes, green space and new leisure, retail and commercial facilities have all been promised.

The Whitecliffe development is one of the main plots forming the project, with 6,250 of the 15,000 proposed homes being built there.

This month, long-awaited plans for a “health hub” and education centre have finally been submitted.

All journeys using the bus service will cost £2, with children aged five to 15 paying £1.

Infants up to four years old can travel free with an adult.

ArrivaClick and Discovery Tickets, as well as Kent Travel Saver passes and English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes will also be accepted.

A spokesman said: “Work is underway to provide access all the way through Whitecliffe to Bluewater, via Ashmere, but is not expected to complete until November 2025.

”Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is continuing to work hard with developers to improve upon this date and will provide further information in due course.

“Plans for a new tunnel under the B225, which will provide a more direct access for buses from Whitecliffe to Bluewater, are being refined by KCC – the organisation who will deliver that element of the proposed route.

“In preparation for the launch of this service, please refrain from walking, cycling or playing in the Fastrack bus lane.”

They have also warned that some routes may change and be redirected due to the ongoing development taking place in Whitecliffe.

Buses will operate from Monday to Saturday, between 5.30am and 11.30pm.

On Sundays it will run at a reduced time – between 6.30am and 10.30pm.

The service is set to launch next Sunday (July 7).