Security guards to be present on Dublin Bus for first time due to rising anti-social behaviour

In a landmark 20-week Safer Journeys pilot scheme being launched on Monday - aimed at enhancing safety and security across its network - security guards will be present on several buses, at bus stops and in mobile units.

Security guards are to be present on Dublin Bus for the first time in the company’s history due to rising anti-social behaviour.

In a landmark 20-week Safer Journeys pilot scheme being launched on Monday - aimed at enhancing safety and security across its network - security guards will be present on several buses, at bus stops and in mobile units.

Since 2019, the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents on Dublin Bus services has doubled.

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The company has been actively working to address this issue, through increased cooperation with An Garda Síochána and strong community work across the city and county.

However, the rise in incidents shows the need for additional measures to ensure customers and employees feel safe when using the bus. The trained security guards, provided by contractor OCS, will be strategically located in areas identified as priorities.

They will operate daily on Dublin’s northside and on the southside from 2pm to 2am Sunday to Thursday and 4pm to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. This covers peak hours of travel and late-night services.

It is hoped that the visible presence of security guards will deter anti-social behaviour and make commuting safer for customers and Dublin Bus employees.

“This landmark pilot scheme arises from key recommendations put forward by independent security experts and forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for customers and employees,” a spokesperson for Dublin Bus said.

“Their presence will provide visible, reassuring support to customers and employees, assisting in various situations— ranging from offering guidance to responding quickly to security-related incidents.

Speaking about the launch of the pilot, Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus said: “We are proud to launch the Safer Journeys Team, a key step in our commitment to making every journey on Dublin Bus a safer journey.

“Whether you are heading home after working a late shift or catching up with friends in town, you deserve to feel safe on board our services.

“The team will provide a visible and reassuring presence for both our customers and employees, actively enhancing safety and security across our network.”

Welcoming the introduction of the launch, Secretary General of The National Bus and Rail Union, Dermot O’Leary and SIPTU, Transport Sector Organiser John Murphy said: "The introduction of the Safer Journeys Team is an important step forward in ensuring the safety of both drivers and customers.

“Every driver has the right to be safe and protected while at work and this initiative is a welcome move towards achieving that goal. However, we want to be very clear in our view, that this is not a silver bullet and the need for a dedicated Garda Public Transport Unit remains."

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