A SIPTU SURVEY including over 200 members employed across the public transport network has found that some 94% face verbal abuse.

Over 60% of those surveyed say the situation has worsened over the past 12 months – just 1.5% believe it’s improved.

Siptu today released findings from a new “snapshot survey” of transport workers, including those who work for Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas and Aircoach.

While 94% of respondents say antisocial and abusive behaviour is an issue during the course of their work, some 48% describe it as a “serious issue” while 46% say it is a “minor issue”.

And while 94% face verbal abuse, more than a quarter (28%) experience physical abuse and more than one in five (21%) report having faced racial abuse.

Around one in five (18%) say this abuse happens on a daily basis.

When asked about potential solutions, over three-quarters (77%) of respondents said that the “commitment on a transport policing force must become a reality”.

In August, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said anti-social behaviour on public transport is a “matter of serious concern”.

O’Brien and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan are currently working on introducing legislation to create a uniformed, security transport unit to increase public safety.

Over the summer, O’Brien said recruitment for a new dedicated public transport police could begin by the end of next year.

The transport security officers will have powers of arrest and detention, O’Brien confirmed, and he added that it is being looked at if new legislation can also give them power of pursuit. 

Elsewhere, over half (52%) of respondents called for greater public education campaigns to make clear what behaviour is unacceptable on public transport, and almost half (47%) want to see an expanded transport inspectorate presence.

Siptu sector organiser John Murphy remarked that the survey “makes for stark reading”.

“The lack of a visible policing presence on public transport is compounding the problem,” said Murphy.

He added that Siptu will work with all stakeholders to make the establishment of a dedicated transport policing force a “reality as soon as possible” and Siptu has called on O’Brien to set out a clear timeline for this.

Meanwhile, Dublin Bus worker and Siptu National Executive Council member Stephen Millane, said that transport workers “deserve to feel safe doing their jobs”.

He added: “Without proper enforcement and support, antisocial behaviour will continue to drive workers away from the sector and make passengers feel less safe.”