Security personnel have started working on Dublin Bus routes in response to an increase in anti-social conduct occurrences, which the company claims has risen over the previous five years, reports RTE.
As part of a 20-week trial program, mobile teams of security officers will ride buses every day during afternoon, evening, and night services.
The number of allegations of anti-social conduct on Dublin Bus increased to nearly 1,000 last year from about 500 in 2019.
As part of a trial initiative that Dublin Bus intends to make permanent, two mobile security units will be stationed on the north and south sides of the city between Sunday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m, reports RTE.
The corporation stated that the goal of its safer trips team, which was formed in response to recommendations from outside security specialists, is to increase employee and customer safety when using their services.
According to their statement, the teams will be stationed in high-priority locations, and they will keep a careful eye on the results, including employee and customer feedback, incident response times, and the total number of incidents, reports RTE.
“Every driver is entitled to safety,” according to unions
According to Dublin Bus, the security guards will support the gardaÃ’s close collaboration and on-board CCTV as current safety measures.
CEO of Dublin Bus Billy Hann said: “The team will provide a visible and reassuring presence for both our customers and employees, actively enhancing safety and security across our network.”
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Hann said: “It’ll be very much a de-escalation type of role. So, if there’s any issues with regards to anti-social behaviour, their first role will be to de-escalate that situation. But they’d be standing in the background, being visible, not getting involved in the operation at all, until it’s absolutely necessary,” reports RTE.
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