SHOCKING: Death threats, harassment and increased drug use reported by public transport workers

Almost 80 per cent of public transport ­workers say illegal drug use by passengers on bus, rail and Luas lines has worsened in the last year, members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will be told on Wednesday.

Siptu officials, as well as members of the union working across Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Luas services will appear before the committee to relay their harrowing experiences. The appearance is part of Siptu’s ongoing campaign for the establishment of a dedicated transport policing unit.

A new survey from Siptu, which represents transport workers nationwide, also revealed how 70 per cent of migrant transport workers said they have experienced discrimination or harassment based on their ethnicity.

A total of 656 Siptu members ­working across the bus, rail and Luas systems took part in the survey. Over half of those surveyed said ­anti-social behaviour had worsened in the past year.

Nearly three-quarters said that they witnessed drug abuse in their workplaces several times a month, while fewer than 20 per cent said drug use was an issue they dealt with on a nearly daily basis.

Most surveyed said the most common type of drug being used is cannabis. Cocaine use was also common on board, followed by crack cocaine and heroin.

Almost four in five surveyed said “increased police presence” is the most effective way to deal with illegal drug use on public transport.

The proposal for a dedicated transport policing unit has previously been rejected by both the companies involved and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, who said antisocial issues on transport should be dealt with by An Garda Síochána.