'A reassuring presence... But we need transport cops'

In July, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien said recruitment for a dedicated public transport police force could begin by the end of next year.

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David Boyd, Director of Risk Management at Dublin Bus, stated that the presence of security guards “mitigates” a lot of situations — but they are limited in what they can actually do when a situation does arise.

COMFORT

He told us: “They provide a reassuring presence on our services, they are able to deescalate situations which may arise, and they give a bit more comfort to drivers as well that if some thing is brewing, there is a presence there to assist them.”

When asked why they decided to employ guards, Mr Boyd explained: “We brought it out in response to the change in the reported incidents of antisocial behaviour on our services.