The new service commencing Sunday 23rd Feb, will provide convenient, affordable transport options for local communities and visitors.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is launching a new town bus service in Portlaoise, which will enhance connectivity and improve local transport options, as part of the TFI public transport network.
The new services will commence operations on Sunday, 23rd February, providing improved connections to the town centre, hospitals and rail services, facilitating onward travel.
The services are being funded by NTA and supported by Laois County Council.
The town bus service will see CityDirect operate two dedicated routes, the PL1 and the PL2, with buses running every half an hour in both directions.
The PL1 service will operate between Colliers Lane and Woodgrove, while the PL2 will run between Kilminchy and Bellingham. Both routes will operate for over nineteen hours a day Monday to Saturday, and sixteen hours on Sundays.
PL1 and PL2 will provide early-morning and late-evening services to connect with Portlaoise train station, facilitating improved onward travel to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and other centres.
The services will also improve connectivity with retail zones such as Portlaoise Town Centre and Laois Shopping Centre, as well as Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise and St. Fintan’s Hospital.
The services will be integrated with the TFI Live App and will facilitate cashless payments with the Leap Card Fare system. Free Travel Passes will also be accepted on board.
Portlaoise is the latest town to benefit from investment by NTA in a town-bus service. There are now ten town services in Ireland, including Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Drogheda, Clonmel, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Navan and Sligo with more to come this year and next.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Director of Public Transport Services of the NTA Jeremy Ryan said: “The Portlaoise town bus service is a significant step forward in delivering sustainable and accessible public transport for local communities. These new routes will make it easier than ever for people to get to work, school, or appointments and to enjoy all that Portlaoise has to offer.”
Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council commented:
“I am delighted to be present at the official launch of the Portlaoise Town Bus Service. Portlaoise will benefit from this new public transport service, which provides convenient opportunities locally for more sustainable, convenient forms of transport.
Laois County Council has worked in closely with the NTA over the past number of years supporting the roll-out of the service. The Council will continue to provide support for the service.
For many, in Portlaoise, the new bus service provides a viable, in-town, travel alternative to the use of the private motor car. The new service also provides unprecedented connectivity within Portlaoise town, by way of an affordable, sustainable and convenient transport option for people in Portlaoise. I conclude by congratulating all who have supported the delivery of this much-needed service for Portlaoise.”
Michael Rainey, Chief Executive Officer of Laois County Council, added that:
“Portlaoise is one of Ireland’s fastest growing population centres. In 20 years, from Census 2002 to Census 2022, the population of Portlaoise doubled to 24,000.
Commencement of this new Portlaoise town bus service fulfils sustainable transport objectives set out in the Portlaoise Local Area Plan. It supports Laois County Council’s objectives for Portlaoise to develop as a low carbon town.
“Over the past number of years our staff have liaised closely with NTA, supporting the introduction of this important service. I want to acknowledge and to thank the NTA for the investment in this new service for Portlaoise.
The Portlaoise town bus service promotes more sustainable travel options for work, education, care, leisure and tourism. We look forward to the commencement of the service on Sunday 23rd February 2025.”
CEO of City Direct said: “City Direct Bus Ltd is delighted to have been nominated to provide the people of Portlaoise with their new town bus service. We are bringing our knowledge and experience to Portlaoise to deliver a first-class Service. All people of Portlaoise will be able to benefit greatly from this service. We look forward to seeing you on board!”
Not all infrastructure will be completed by the launch of the services, as the priority was to begin operations as soon as possible to provide improved connections for locals and visitors. Efforts will continue over the coming months to ensure all necessary road and bus stop upgrades are implemented. Passengers are kindly asked for their patience during this period.
More information is available here on the Portlaoise Town Bus Service.
