If citizens across the nation are as understanding as Triangle residents, the U.S. Postal Service won’t get much criticism about its decision to cease regular mail delivery on Saturdays.

A stream of people doing lunchtime post office business Wednesday expressed disappointment about the changes but accepted them as an unfortunate necessity.

“I wish it didn’t have to happen,” said Mark Branch Jr. of Raleigh. “But I guess I understand there are monetary problems.”

Branch said he and his wife are both retired, so the changes won’t affect them too much.

Linda Hodge of Raleigh said she also will be OK.

“If that’s going to help their economics, it’s good to stop it,” she said. “We keep getting rate increases, so maybe we’ll get a break from that.”

Yulean Mitchell of Garner said she accepts the changes because she thinks trimming costs will save postal workers’ jobs.

“It’s an inconvenience for those (customers) who work five days a week, but if it helps ... keep jobs, I’m for it,” she said.

Stephanie Wise of Raleigh agreed, though she suspects there will be complaints.

“It’s going to be inconvenient for some people who are waiting for important letters and checks,” she said.

Some are skeptical that the money saved would mean postal jobs saved.

“I do think it will cut jobs,” said Brad Thompson of Raleigh. “Less work equals less people. I lament any reduction of services and what it means for jobs. But I understand that current realities make it necessary to streamline what they do.”

As for customers, Thompson thinks the impact will be minimal. “I get nothing on Saturday that can’t wait until Monday,” he said.

Hodge agreed: “You’re not going to pay your bills till Monday anyway.”

Cain: 919-829-4579