Anti-Social Behaviour on Dublin Buses Hits Record High Despite Security Measures

Dublin: Despite the deployment of additional security guards, Dublin Bus has confirmed that anti-social behaviour remains at record levels, with over a thousand incidents reported last year — and figures indicating that 2025 may surpass this record.

In 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, fewer than 500 incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded. By 2023, that number had more than doubled, and three bus drivers are now attacked on average every day.

Security guards were introduced on buses last October, and their numbers were later increased from two to three per shift. However, Dublin Bus reports that incidents such as eggs being thrown, windows smashed, and assaults on staff continue to occur frequently. There have also been reports of stone-throwing, physical altercations, drug and alcohol misuse, and pickpocketing on several routes.

These problems have forced temporary service suspensions, sometimes lasting several hours or even entire days, causing widespread disruption to passengers.

At the Broadstone Depot, Dublin Bus Central Control operates several pods staffed by controllers who monitor routes and coordinate emergency responses. Each controller handles around 500 driver calls per shift, with higher volumes in high-risk areas.

David Boyd, Dublin Bus Director of Risk Management, said the company remains hopeful that a dedicated Transport Police unit will be in place by next year to improve safety for passengers and staff.

Transport Security Force Planned

The Department of Transport has announced plans to establish a Transport Security Force as soon as possible, pending the passage of new legislation. The department expects the force to be fully operational by 2027 and has already invested more than €11 million in improving public transport security.

The force’s structure will be designed in consultation with all major stakeholders, including the National Transport Authority (NTA), transport operators, trade unions, passenger groups, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Justice. According to a recent survey, 94% of CIÉ Group staff reported experiencing some form of abusive behaviour.

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