Drug use on public transport is worse in the last 12 months, say 80pc of staff

Almost 80pc of public transport workers say illegal drug use by passengers on bus, rail and Luas lines has worsened in the last 12 months.

A new survey from Siptu, which represents transport workers, also reveals how 70pc of migrant transport workers say they have experienced a form of discrimination or harassment based on their ethnicity.

A total of 656 Siptu members working across the bus, rail and Luas systems took part in the survey.

Over half of those surveyed said anti-social behaviour had worsened in the past year.

Nearly three-quarters said that they witnessed drug abuse in their workplaces several times a month, while fewer than 20pc said drug use was an issue they dealt with on a nearly daily basis.

Most surveyed said the most common type of drug being used is cannabis. Cocaine use was also common on board, followed by crack cocaine and heroin.

More than 70pc said they had felt threatened and unsafe due to the use of drugs by passengers.

Nearly two-thirds said they see drug use more than once a week across different public transport systems.

A fifth said it happens “very frequently”.

Almost 80pc said “increased police presence” is the most effective way to deal with illegal drug use on public transport.

Racism and discrimination was also common for transport workers, with nearly a fifth of migrant workers saying they experience racist abuse or discrimination “often” while at work.

Three-quarters (75pc) of these respondents said this abuse is verbal and a third said it involves physical threats.

Over half of those surveyed said considering industrial action would be a way of securing action for the campaign.

The Siptu survey will be launched as part of the trade union’s “Respect Transport Workers” campaign ahead of its appearance at the Oireachtas Transport Committee today.

Siptu representatives will tell the committee that a dedicated public transport policing unit is needed, as well as a National Transport Authority Advisory Council.

A special “transport charter” should also be brought in, which would “outline what is and is not acceptable behaviour towards public transport staff”.

The union represents 6,000 employees across all the various operators who hold public transport contracts with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

‘70pc of migrant transport workers experienced a form of discrimination’