Portlaoise councillors set for maiden voyage on town's first bus service

Tea rather than champagne will be poured to mark the official launch of Portlaoise's dedicated town bus service.

"A significant milestone" will be reached as Portlaoise continues to grow towards city size, when the Portlaoise Town Bus Service is formally launched on Wednesday, February 19. 

The first passengers invited on the maiden voyage are the seven Portlaoise Municipal District councillors, who will get an exciting tour along one of the two routes, after their February monthly meeting in Laois County Council chambers.

A representative of the National Transport Authority who are funding the service, is coming to Laois for the official launch.

The actual start date will be some days later, to be announced at the meeting.

"I think it is fair to state that the launch represents a significant milestone for the Portlaoise MD," the Laois County Council Director of Services Simon Walton said ahead of the launch.

The busses will run on the half hour through the town centre from the far reaches of the Mountrath, Mountmellick, Borris, Stradbally and Dublin roads. See the bus stops and route map here.

They are already a year late, with the new bus stops still getting the finishing touches in Portlaoise. 

The service was originally proposed in 2017 through the 2040 And Beyond A Vision For Portlaoise – A Strategy For A Better Town Centre plan. 

This climate action plan aims to reduce, traffic and congestion, reduced emissions, establish more bike-friendly roads and green spaces, and revitalized buildings in Portlaoise's town centre.

Details of the starting day, the fares, Leap cards, the contractor chosen and whether the council's aim of electric buses has been achieved for the Low Carbon town, will all be revealed at the launch. Follow the Leinster Express / Laois Live for more.