Following attacks on staff and anti social behaviour the consumption of alcohol is to be banned on all Dublin buses.
A number of Dublin city bus routes have been forced to finish early because of assaults on crews and the result of anti-social behaviour is costing Dublin Bus several hundred thousand pounds a year.
In response to the growing violence and vandalism on Dublin buses, new regulations are to be introduced.
Under these regulations, anyone carrying alcohol onto buses will be refused permission to board. Passengers who appear to be under the influence of drink or drugs will be not allowed to board the bus if the driver considers their behaviour could lead to violence or a disturbance.
The new measures will be introduced as soon as the necessary staff training is completed; however the unions have yet to be consulted about the move.
Secretary of the bus workers' branch of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU) Jimmy Cullen says
We welcome anything that will offer some sort of protection to our people.
However he is unsure how the regulations will be implemented in a one person operation where the driver is restricted in a cab.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 February 1989. The reporter is Una O’Hagan.
