Sinn Féin Transport & Communications spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has repeated the party’s calls on both the Minister for Justice and Minister for Transport to introduce a dedicated public transport policing division within An Garda Síochána.  The call came after the publication of the annual NTA survey of passenger satisfaction with public transport.
 
Teachta Kenny said, “It is important for us to listen to what passengers want, and indeed what transport workers have been telling us for some time.  Whether it’s a tram, a train, or a bus, commuters and workers deserve to feel safe as they travel. 
 
“For the past number of years both I and Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Pa Daly TD have engaged extensively with commuters, transport workers, unions and Gardaí around the need to develop a robust and workable transport policing division of An Garda Síochána.
 
“The most recent NTA survey results highlight that the need for transport policing is very much still at the forefront of commuters minds when they use public transport – when they are waiting at a stop or onboard a service.  
 
“Safety is important to our commuters and transport workers alike.  We still hear weekly reports of antisocial or criminal behaviour onboard services or at tram or bus stops, or the withdrawal of part of a route due to attacks on drivers.
 
“This is something that must be tackled once and for all as we continue encouraging commuters and workers to use public transport as much as part of their everyday journey.”