Security guards are starting to work on Dublin Bus services as of today. The company decided to do this because there has been a rise in anti-social behavior incidents, which have doubled in the last five years.
The security staff will be mobile units on buses during the afternoon, evening, and night services for a 20-week trial. The number of reports of anti-social behavior on Dublin Bus increased from around 500 in 2019 to over 1,000 last year.
During the pilot program, two mobile units will operate on the north and south sides of the city from 2pm to 2am Sunday to Thursday, and from 4pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday. The plan is to make these security measures a permanent part of Dublin Bus.
Dublin Bus mentioned that the new security teams were established based on advice from security experts to ensure the safety of customers and employees. The effectiveness of the program will be monitored based on feedback from customers and employees, incident response times, and overall incident numbers.
The CEO of Dublin Bus, Billy Hann, stated that the security guards will work alongside existing safety measures like on-board CCTV and cooperation with the police. The security team will have a background role but will be visible to the public, focusing on de-escalating situations of anti-social behavior.
While the move to introduce security guards was welcomed by SIPTU and the NBRU, they emphasized the need for a dedicated police unit on public transport. The union representatives noted that security guards do not have the power to detain or arrest individuals, which means there are no consequences for bad behavior.
In addition to the security measures on Dublin Bus, e-scooters will be banned from public transport due to safety concerns related to the batteries potentially catching fire. The NTA stated that lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters can develop internal faults leading to overheating and combustion.
Iarnród Éireann’s communications manager highlighted that e-scooters will not be allowed on buses and trains, with a €100 fine imposed on those who violate the ban. The concern is about the safety of passengers and preventing potential incidents related to e-scooter batteries.
Green Party Dublin City councillor Janet Horner emphasized the importance of fire safety and the need for safe parking for e-scooters. She mentioned that while the ban may inconvenience some people, it is crucial to ensure safety in public transport.
Overall, the introduction of security guards on Dublin Bus and the ban on e-scooters are part of efforts to enhance safety and security for passengers and employees. While these measures are steps in the right direction, there are ongoing discussions about the need for further safety measures and regulations in public transport.
