Bus and train services may be cut after attacks spike
PUBLIC transport workers have warned of possible disruption if steps are not taken to tackle anti-social behaviour on services.
The National Bus and Rail Union repeated calls for a dedicated police unit following a number of shocking incidents.
On Tuesday night, a man was stabbed on a train between Killester and Harmonstown in Dublin.
The union added a number of Bus Eireann drivers have recently been the victim of assaults.
It has asked Transport Minister Shane Ross and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to establish a Garda Public Transport Division.
General Secretary Dermot O’leary said: “The mood among workers has changed dramatically on the back of a number of recent assaults across train and bus services.”
The union said staff may be forced to take their own preventative measures, including assessing services in anti-social hot spots.
A Bus Eireann driver reportedly suffered concussion, facial bruising and fractured fingers at Busaras at the weekend.
Officials from the Departments of Transport and Justice confirmed they have been holding talks with each other and gardai about possibly setting up a dedicated police force.