#473 Riding with the Law. Coming Soon to Your Bus?
The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up) · Niall Boylan
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Show Notes
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.