I am pleased to see the announcement that Dublin Bus will be deploying security guards on its services, as part of a new 20-week pilot programme aimed at enhancing safety across the public transport network.

The initiative will introduce two dedicated mobile security units. This aims to improve security for both passengers and employees. It also seeks to combat anti-social behavior. 

The mobile security teams will be deployed daily during peak travel hours, operating from 14:00 to 02:00 Sunday through Thursday, and from 16:00 to 04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. One unit will patrol the northside of Dublin, while the other will cover the southside, providing greater peace of mind for public transport users across the city.

This is a vital step in ensuring public transport remains a safe and appealing option for all.

This pilot programme is a critical step in improving safety in our public transport system. It ensures safety for everyone, whether you’re a passenger or a Dublin Bus employee. It’s important to create an environment where everyone feels protected from anti-social behavior. This initiative is a proactive approach to achieving that.

By providing a secure and reliable service, it encourages more people to leave their cars behind and take the bus, contributing to our climate objectives.

 As a member of the Tallaght Transport Forum, I believe any initiative that helps reduce the number of incidents affecting both bus drivers and passengers is a welcome and necessary development. I look forward to seeing how this programme evolves and hope it will pave the way for a permanent solution to improve safety across the entire transport network.