Guard teams put bus thugs lout of service

THREE security teams now patrol Dublin Bus services on a daily and nightly basis after antisocial behaviour skyrocketed.

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The Star joined two security guards on Wednesday night during the rush hour period as commuters began to pack onto busy buses to get home.

We watched as Dainius Borusevicius and Ciaran Hempenstall hopped on and off buses in the city centre throughout the course of the evening.

Mr Hempenstall said guards are split between the northside and southside of the capital, while another team operates exclusively in the city centre.

During the rush hour period, Dublin Bus revealed that between 850 and 900 buses are on the road.

Some of the main antisocial behaviour incidents faced by Dublin Bus include thugs smashing windows with bricks, along with fights and passengers boozing or taking drugs on board.

Passengers vaping and pickpockets are also issues on the network.

Mr Hempenstall stressed the security guards' role is to deescalate situations and said their presence alone on the bus reassures passengers and drivers.

Dublin Bus revealed that they decided to take action following a noticeable spike in antisocial behaviour between 2019 and 2023.

The security guards were first introduced on a pilot basis last year as part of the 'Safer Journeys Team' initiative.

It was a success, and now they can be seen on services day and night all over the capital.

Areas or services which have a higher level of antisocial behaviour will see guards more often as a heat map of incidents dictates the patrol route.