Security on public transport must happen
CALLS have been made for the introduction of a dedication transport police unit as anti- social behaviour on Iarnród Éireann trains has risen by 43 per cent in a two year period.
This is a phenomenal increase, and the reality is that there are probably even more cases which took place and were not reported.
It has been outlined that the company recorded over 1,000 incident since 2017, a figure which simply cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, those who travel by public transport in this country, do not feel safe a lot of the time.
While these figures reflect train incidents, let’s not forget that buses and the LUAS are just as bad. There is a constant push to entice commuters to leave their cars at home and avail of public transport, but for many, due to anti-social behaviour, this is just not an option.
Travelling alone on a bus or train should not be an harrowing experience filled with intimidation and for many, and particularly depending on the time they travel at and the route they take, this is an occupational hazard.
There is no security whatsoever on trains, and the threat of security cameras just won’t cut it.
If service providers are not willing to provide adequate security staff, then a dedicated policing unit is the only viable option.
Train and bus drivers are not responsible for keeping order on vehicles but in recent years, with the escalation of anti-social incidents, they have been thrust into the unofficial peace-keepers.
Driving a vehicle with dozens, if not hundreds of passengers safely to their destination, is their priority, and yet when one or more passengers start to make trouble, it is often they who have to step in.
People have the right to travel without fear of intimidation and violence, being exposed to drug taking and drinking, muggings or other crimes and yet they cannot.
Unfortunately those who engage in this behaviour know they can run amok with very little possibility of being caught.
Public transport has always been prime territory for those who seek to hassle others for no apparent reason. This spike in anti-social behaviour cannot be ignored and until it is taken in hand, the number of customers will continue to dwindle.