Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann will be fined if drivers are rude and vehicles are dirty.

It's part of a new initiative being introduced by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

New contracts signed on Monday between the NTA and Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann allow for up to five percent of payments to be withheld if customer service standards drop.

Buses are required to be kept clean and drivers must remain polite.

In addition to the potential fines, there is an onus on both companies to respond to customers' comments and complaints on social media within an hour and within a day if they receive an email.

Penalties will be imposed if the first and last service leaves earlier or later than scheduled.

While on-street real-time passenger information must be displayed 98 percent of the time.

Do you think the new rules are too harsh or are they justified? Let us know below.