Gardaí have launched a multi-agency crackdown on anti-social behaviour on public transport.
The operation involves high visibility, proactive patrols of LUAS and DART services across the Dublin region throughout the day, as well as on several Intercity Iarnród Éireann services.
Operation Twin Tracks will also involve staff from Iarnród Éireann, Transdev Ireland (Luas) operators and the National Transport Authority.
According to Gardaí, the day will provide the public with the opportunity to engage with local officers.
“This day of engagement allows An Garda Síochána to maintain a visible presence on board these services while preventing and detecting anti-social behaviour,” Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones said.
“It also allows for positive engagement between An Garda Síochána, customers and public transport providers.”
LUAS Red and Green Line and DART services in Dublin will be patrolled as well as eight Intercity routes.
A train pictured leaving MacBride station in Drogheda. Image: Anze Furlan / Alamy Stock PhotoLocal Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing Gardaí will also be present in Pearse Street, Connolly and Heuston stations, as well as a number of regional stations to engage with commuters and provide guidance on crime prevention.
NTA Chief Executive Anne Graham said the Garda presence would help ensure people feel “safe and secure” while travelling on public transport.
The operation comes after SIPTU reiterated its call for the establishment of a dedicated public transport police service to combat abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour on buses, trains and trams.
In March, Irish Rail announced there has been a 54% increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in comparison with the previous year.
Transport police
The following month, Tánaiste Micheál Martin told the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis that the Government hoped to establish a Transport Garda Unit.
The policy also has the support of the Labour Party which believes it would “encourage more people to use public transport”.
Main image: A Garda standing next to a Luas. Picture by: RollingNews.ie
