WATCH: Portlaoise town buses launched and ready to roll
Thumbs up as growing Laois town gets its own public bus service
It was a long wait for a bus but four are coming together as Portlaoise Bus Service is finally launched.
On Sunday morning, February 23 at 5am, history will be made as the green and yellow Portlaoise buses hit the road to run over 18 hours a day, criss crossing Portlaoise hitting 21 new bus stops every half hour, to serve train commuters, schoolgoers, shoppers, workers, and anyone else who wants to take a seat.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is funding and running the City Direct service, which cost €1.5m to set up and €1.6m a year to run, with 27 drivers hired. Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live to welcome it - see video.
Adults will pay €2 a trip, with discounts for students under 26, and no charge for children under 9, and travel pass holders. Passengers can pay cash on board or buy discount fares on Leap cards or the TFI app.
More to follow.