New measures by Dublin Bus may curb anti-social behaviour
BY Mary Dennehy
A NUMBER of measures have been introduced to try and curb anti-social behaviour on local bus routes, including the Tallaght-wide removal of a new Dublin Bus model that makes it easier for “scutting”.
Last Friday, September 8, the withdrawal of bus services from West Tallaght was called off by unions, following an emergency meeting with Dublin Bus.
As reported by The Echo on numerous occasions, the ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour in areas such as Brookfield, Killinarden and Jobstown put multiple bus routes in jeopardy after the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said the safety of drivers and passengers was at risk.
Last Thursday, the NBRU threatened to terminate the 27, 77a and 65b bus routes at The Square from 6pm in rolling stoppages – with services being permanently withdrawn from Sunday, September 17, if an emergency meeting did not take place.
However, at an early morning meeting last Friday between Dublin Bus management and union reps, a Code of Practice was drawn up to deal with anti-social incidents , including scutting and missiles being thrown at buses.
These measures include alternative terminuses for any West Tallaght bus targeted, with curtailments being introduced in the event of anti-social behaviour.
Buses will also be withdrawn for the entire night if an incident occurs after 8pm.
On Monday, September 11, Dublin Bus management also meet with Tallaght Superintendent Peter Duff.
Speaking with The Echo, Superintendent Duff said: “We are here for Dublin Bus and drivers can contact ourselves if they are impacted on by anti-social behaviour.
“We will continue to respond to issues and are maintaining a presence in communities.”
According to union officials, two incidents have been recorded since the new measures were introduced last week, with unions monitoring the situation as an ongoing concern.
In a statement to The Echo this week, the NBRU said: “Dublin Bus must stick to the agreement reached or buses will be pulled back to The Square.”
When contacted by The Echo this week, a Dublin Bus spokeswoman said: “We are monitoring the situation and had a positive meeting with gardai and trade union reps on Monday.
“The gardai are committed to supporting us and our services . . . and Dublin Bus is committed to serving the communities it serves.
“However, we need everybody working together on this – Dublin Bus, gardai, trade unions, local politicians and the community.”
The spokeswoman also confirmed that the newly redesigned SG Dublin Bus model, which has a ledge at the back which facilitates ‘scutting’, has been removed from all Tallaght routes.
Anybody who has any information on incidents of anti-social behaviour on bus routes can contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.
