The Stagecoach bus service from Caerphilly to the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff will return on a six-month trial basis from Sunday, January 12.
However, instead of its original 30 minute frequency, the new temporary service, called the 86X, will run every hour.
The bus route will include a stop at Thornhill crematorium, which is not served by the current number 86 service.
The extended 86 service saw journey times between Caerphilly town and the hospital increase by more than 30 minutes after the 25 service was axed in September – taking almost an hour to get to the hospital.
Speaking at the time, a Stagecoach spokesperson told Caerphilly Observer that the company “identified few users on the unique service 25 routing”.
The new service will provide journeys to and from Cardiff, starting at 7.10am and finishing at 7.25pm from Monday to Friday, and between 7.33am and 7.25pm on Saturdays.
The 26 service between Caerphilly and Cardiff will still operate.
Hefin David AM, who, alongside then-MP Wayne David, presented a petition signed by residents to Stagecoach bosses in September, said he was pleased to see the new timetable being confirmed.
Dr David AM said: “Stagecoach have now updated their website which shows that from January 12 there will be 156 overall journeys between Caerphilly and UHW added each week as a result of the changes we’ve fought for.
“I want to thank everybody who signed petitions and responded to the questionnaire I sent to hundreds of local residents. It’s now crucial that the service is used from January 12.”
However, South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell was critical of the news, saying: “It will be longer and less frequent than the previous No 25 bus service and will lead to people being less likely to take the bus.
“The proposed hourly service is still particularly worrying for those who used the service to get to hospital appointments.”
Ms Jewell AM also explained that she was concerned about the impact the change will have on “older and more vulnerable people” and added: “We’re living in a time when we should be making it easier for people to use public transport, not less.
“I will be meeting Stagecoach soon to discuss this and look forward to raising my concerns.”
Cllr Huw Jackson, who serves on Caerphilly Town Council, called on the 25 service to be restored and said: “This is not good enough. Stagecoach claim to be listening but are not acting to address passengers concerns.”
A Stagecoach spokesperson said the company made the decision “after listening to customer feedback” and said: “This will be great news for passengers who travel between UHW and Caerphilly.
“This service will be trialled for six months and Stagecoach will monitor the performance.”
To see the full timetables, visit obv.sr/stagecoach.