It's been a private company for over a decade and a half. This is pretty common in many European countries. e.g. Germany's postal system is wholly owned by DHL.

More like contracted it out. You might be surprised at the amount of US mail that is delivered by contractors. They've just taken it all the way.

With a monopoly no less.

But: You don't seem to aöbe able to pay the new provider in cash. You need to pay online or using an app. (I have no insights, just from reading TFA.)