Almost half of passengers surveyed have felt unsafe while using public transport

The NTA survey suggests women, younger people, and public transport users in Dublin were more likely to report feeling unsafe. Stock picture: Alamy

Almost half of all passengers claim they have felt unsafe at least once while using public transport, according to new research.

The results of the National Transport Authority (NTA) third annual report on how public transport users feel about their personal security show that women, younger people, and public transport users in Dublin were more likely to report feeling unsafe with drunk people, verbally aggressive passengers, harassment and drugs as their main sources of concern.

The report also revealed that 46% of people believe antisocial behaviour was worse on buses, trains and trams during 2025 — an increase of three percentage points on the previous year.

Nevertheless, the NTA said the results of the survey of over 1,500 adults were “generally positive,” although it acknowledged that the perceptions of safety on Luas trams were noticeably lower than on bus and rail services.

Similar findings emerged in a separate customer satisfaction survey of over 6,000 commuters carried out by the NTA last year.

The NTA said the probable cause of the discrepancy was the nature of Luas trains being more open systems than buses which have “a more visible driver presence.” 

Approximately nine out of 10 passengers said they felt very safe using public transport in the very early morning and commuter periods, but the figure drops to seven in 10 for journeys in the late evening and nighttime.

Dublin public transport seen as unsafe after dark

Luas, Dublin Bus, and DART services were seen as particularly unsafe after dark.

The report highlights how commuters regard antisocial behaviour on public transport as common, with inconsiderate behaviour the most frequently reported type of conduct.

The proportion of passengers who witnessed verbal antisocial behaviour last year was unchanged at 55%.

Reports of witnessing physical threats to others decreased slightly from 41% in 2024 to 39% last year.

Members of the public, particularly older people, favour a more visible garda presence on public transport and at stops as the best measure for improving safety ahead of increased security staff, stronger sanctions and improved surveillance.

The NTA said it is important that customers feel safe when using public transport services throughout Ireland, but it acknowledged that antisocial behaviour was an issue that requires “ongoing attention.” 

“Antisocial behaviour is as much a problem on public transport as it is within society as a whole, and tackling it is a greater priority than ever before,” said a NTA spokesperson.

The NTA said the report’s findings would be used to “identify areas for improvement in the short, medium and long term subject to availability of the appropriate budget and resources.” 

On the issue of dedicated transport police, which was a commitment in the Programme for Government, the NTA spokesperson said it was working with the Department of Transport on “developing a well-considered and informed approach to identifying the most suitable model for the Transport Security Force” and the associated legislation that would be necessary to establish it.

The report noted that negative perceptions about issues like safety and antisocial behaviour were more pronounced among non-users of public transport.