Riding with the Law. Coming Soon to Your Bus? Episode 473

On this episode, Niall dives into a question that’s dividing opinion: Has Ireland’s public transport gotten so bad that we now need a dedicated police force to patrol it?

It follows news from Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien that recruitment for a new uniformed Transport Security Unit could start by the end of next year. The force would be separate from the gardaí but have powers of arrest, detention, and possibly pursuit — similar to the airport police.

Niall asks listeners: Do you use public transport? And most importantly — do you feel safe on it?

Callers share mixed views. Some say it’s long overdue, describing late-night bus and train journeys where anti-social behaviour left them feeling vulnerable. They believe a visible police presence could deter troublemakers and reassure passengers.

Others see it as an overreaction, arguing that most journeys are incident-free and that investment should go into better lighting, CCTV, and more staff rather than creating a costly new force. A few warn it could send the wrong message — that public transport is dangerous — when in reality, serious incidents are rare.

It’s a lively discussion about safety, perception, and whether policing our buses and trains is the right move for Ireland.