Dublin Bus Launches 20-Week Pilot Scheme To Increase Bus Safety For Passengers

Dublin Bus has launch its new Safer Journeys Team, a 20-week pilot aimed at enhancing safety and security across its network

 This landmark pilot, the first in the company’s history, arises from key recommendations put forward by independent security experts, and forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for customers and employees.

The Safer Journeys Team will initially consist of two dedicated mobile units, with one operating on Dublin’s northside and the other on the southside. These teams will operate daily Sunday to Thursday 14:00hrs to 02:00hrs and Friday and Saturday 16.00hrs to 04.00hrs, covering peak hours of travel and late-night services.

Their presence will provide visible, reassuring support to customers and employees, assisting in various situations— ranging from offering guidance to responding quickly to security-related incidents.

Since 2019, the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents on Dublin Bus services has doubled, reflecting broader societal trends in Dublin. Dublin Bus has been actively working to address this issue, through increased co-operation with An Garda Síochána and strong community work across the city and county. However, the rise in incidents underscores the need for additional measures to ensure customers and employees feel safe when using the bus.

The Safer Journeys Team will be strategically located in areas identified as priorities based on feedback and data analysis. They will provide not only a visible security presence but also assistance with customer service, helping customers, and addressing concerns as they arise. Their role will complement existing safety measures such as on-board CCTV, driver training, and close cooperation with the Gardaí.

Dublin Bus will carefully monitor the impact of the Safer Journeys Team throughout the 20-week pilot, gathering feedback from customers and employees. Metrics such as incident response times, customer satisfaction, and overall incident numbers will be reviewed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

Speaking about the launch of the pilot, Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus said;

“We are proud to launch the Safer Journeys Team, a key step in our commitment to making every journey on Dublin Bus a safer journey. Whether you are heading home after working a late shift or catching up with friends in town, you deserve to feel safe on board our services. The team will provide a visible and reassuring presence for both our customers and employees, actively enhancing safety and security across our network.”