Postbus is a new service that offers local public transport while delivering the mail in Clare.
The Department of Post and Telegraphs (P&T) has launched a new service, the post bus.
The postbus is a modified minibus which runs twice from Ennis around North Clare.
The postbus is a modified minibus that can carry up to eight people as well as the mail. The post office hopes it will be used by both locals and tourists. The minimum adult fare is 30 pence and the maximum is £2.00 travelling from Ennis to Doolin and Lisdoonvarna with stops along the way.
The service was launched by Minister for Post and Telegraphs, John Wilson who described the new service as an experiment. If successful it could be rolled out to other parts of the country. While new to Ireland, similar services have been successful throughout Europe.
As driver Donal O'Brien took the first bus out of Ennis, two questions remain unanswered. What relationship does the service have with CIÉ and how secure is the mail on a bus which stops on demand?
The Department of Post and Telegraphs has said that it will not be competing directly with CIÉ which does not offer a high density service in north Clare. John Wilson said that the postbus will be cheaper to operate than a larger bus.
Spokesperson for the Department of Post and Telegraphs Ross Hynes outlines the reasons for starting the postbus service.
If they can take some passengers, then we cut our costs by increasing our revenue.
The timetable has been set up in conjunction with CIÉ so that the services do not clash. He believes that the postbus has no higher a security risks than any of the existing mail vans.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 July 1982. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.
