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08 Jan 2026
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08 Jan 2026
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Pictured: Slieve Bloom Coaches / Townlink. Photo: Google Maps
A Laois bus company has announced its decision to cancel the restriction of free travel passes on certain routes, due to be implemented on January 12.
Mountmellick based bus company Slieve Bloom Coaches / Townlink recently announced that they would no longer accept free travel passes after certain hours on two route's late-evening services.
On January 6, the company told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the 830 route from Portlaoise to Tullamore and the 837 route from Tullamore to Mullingar would no longer accept free travel passes beyond 7pm.
On Wednesday January 7, Mr Mark Farrell, Operations/Transport Manager confirmed with the Leinster Express / Laois Live that this decision has been called to a halt.
"We’ve been in touch with the Department of Social Protection, and they’ve agreed to let us carry out a survey on Free Travel passes for the next 12 months on this evening service," Mr Farrell stated.
"As we have explained before, we are a private CBO (Commercial Bus Operator) and we were not getting paid for anyone travelling after the times stated on the below flyer. We had absolutely no obligation to carry FTP (free travel pass) holders after this time despite a lot of members of the public thinking otherwise," he said.
"This means that Free Travel pass holders can enjoy full use of their card on all of our services, including evening services, for the duration of this survey.
"All we ask is that you please make sure your card is in date and valid, and have it ready to show our inspectors. They will simply record the card number and expiry date so that we can confirm the journey with the Department and receive payment for the service. No personal details are taken and information is used only for this survey process.
"We really appreciate everyone’s support and cooperation while we carry out this 12-month survey, it helps us keep our service running for the whole community. Thank you for travelling with us," Mr Farrell finished.
The Leinster Express / Laois Live has contacted the Department of Social Protection for comment.
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