Anger as Laois bus service is axed

THE cancellation of a bus service from Portarlington has caused considerable anger and frustration in the town.

The ‘Big Green Bus’ will cease to operate this weekend from Portarlington to Kildare via Monasterevin.

The route will be axed with effect from Saturday 30 November, due to what the operators described as declining passenger numbers. The service is used mainly by local people visiting or working in Kildare Village.

The company said: ‘As a result of declining passenger numbers, Route 816 continues to be uneconomic to operate. It is with regret that we wish to confirm we will be discontinuing this service effective from November 30th 2024.

The news was slammed as ‘a disgrace’ by the Portarlington Tidy Towns group, which said on social media: ‘In a time of promoting public transport and reducing our carbon footprint, we are now told the Portarlington to Kildare Village bus will be ceased as of next weekend. 

'So what are people that rely on this service supposed to do if they don't drive? This is not good enough for the people of Portarlington.’ 

The People of Port forum said the bus service would be a huge loss, with an administrator commenting: ‘I know some people find this service unreliable at times but, for a lot of people in Portarlington, it’s their daily transport to and from working in Kildare Village. This will be a huge loss to the town.’