The new State funded night-time rural bus service is to be introduced on a trial basis in six west coast, border and midland counties.
Originally described as the 'booze bus', it will be piloted in east and west Cork, Cavan, Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal and Laois.
It will have an initial operating fund of €500,000.
When announcing the service on 12 March, Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, called the 'booze buses' nickname 'a derisory term'.
He said that the service is not just for those headed to and from the pub.
But he said the new service would tackle social isolation in rural areas and be welcomed by many people in years to come.
