School campaign leads to drop in attacks on bus fleet

AN ANTI-VANDALISM campaign in Limerick primary schools has led to a huge drop in stone attacks on the Bus Éireann fleet in the city.

Four years ago, stone attacks on city buses were costing Bus Éireann more than €250,000 in replacing broken glass and down time while repairs were carried out. This year, damage to buses in the city will cost about one fifth the 2004 figure. The huge change was yesterday attributed to a campaign to create an awareness and appreciation among primary school students on a theme: “It is your bus, don’t vandalise it.”

Bus Éireann regional manager Miriam Flynn said in 2004, when they started the campaign, glass replacement was costing them €150,000 and they were losing another €100,000 in lost revenue while buses were out of service.

Ms Flynn said: “The school campaign is really starting to pay big dividends and it is also creating a safer environment for our customers and our drivers.”

Former bus driver Ger Doran, who is now an inspector with the bus company, spearheads the campaign, visiting 24 city primary schools between September and December, giving talks.

“The campaign was geared to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour affecting Limerick city services,” he said.

From year one, Bus Éireann began to see a marked decline in stone attacks.

Mayor of Limerick John Gilligan paid tribute to Bus Éireann and Ger Doran for the work they have been doing to create greater civic spirit among young people in Limerick.