SIPTU has released findings from a new snapshot survey of transport workers which reports an increase in incidents of antisocial and abusive behaviour across the public transport network and concern about progress on the Government’s transport policing commitment.
The survey, conducted among more than 200 SIPTU members employed in Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, LUAS and Aircoach, found that 94% of respondents say antisocial and abusive behaviour is an issue during the course of their work. Almost half (48%) describe it as a serious issue, while 46% say it is a minor issue.
The overwhelming majority (94%) of respondents reported facing verbal abuse, with more than a quarter (28%) experiencing physical abuse and one in five (21%) reporting racial abuse. Over 60% of those surveyed say the situation has got worse in the past 12 months, while just 1.5% believe it has improved.
SIPTU Sector Organiser John Murphy said: “These results make for stark reading. Our members say they are facing increased abuse and antisocial behaviour on a daily and weekly basis, with 18% saying it happens every day. The lack of a visible policing presence on public transport is compounding the problem. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a dedicated transport policing force, SIPTU representatives and members stand prepared to work with all stakeholders to make this a reality as soon as possible.”
When asked about solutions, over three-quarters (77%) of respondents said that the commitment on a transport policing force must become a reality. Over half (52%) called for greater public education campaigns to make it clear what behaviour is unacceptable on public transport, and almost half (47%) want to see an expanded transport inspectorate presence.
Dublin Bus worker and SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) member, Stephen Millane, said: “Transport workers perform an essential public service and deserve to feel safe doing their jobs. The Respect Transport Workers campaign has consistently called for concrete steps to tackle abuse. These survey results underline just how urgent that need has become. Without proper enforcement and support, antisocial behaviour will continue to drive workers away from the sector and make passengers feel less safe.”
The Respect Transport Workers campaign was launched by SIPTU in 2024 to highlight the daily challenges faced by public transport staff and to demand stronger protections, respect, and enforcement measures. SIPTU is now calling on the Minister for Transport to set out a clear timeline for the establishment of a dedicated transport policing service.
The Respect Transport Workers snapshot survey was conducted by email between 30th October to 3rd November.