New steps to target DART thugs

IARNRÓD Éireann has launched a new text alert service for DART customers to report incidents of anti-social behaviour on board trains and at stations.

The initiative is among a number of steps being taken by the company in response to ongoing concerns about passenger safety on the DART.

Customers can now report any issues to a live-monitored security centre by texting the word TRAIN, followed by location, carriage number (if possible) and details of the incident to 51444.

 The DART security centre, which will be staffed at all times during service operational hours, will then be able to make contact with security teams, Iarnród Éireann personnel or gardaí, as appropriate. Passengers will receive an automated response to confirm that the message has been received and will be provided with a link with further details of how the text alert system operates.

 The new service is being publicised on displays on board DART carriages and in stations. It will be further extended to Dublin commuter routes in the coming weeks. It is one of a range of measures being taken by Irish Rail to tackle anti-social behaviour issues, which include:

• Significant increases in the number of security patrols;

• New CCTV on board DART, and completing installation of in-cab screens;

• Strengthened cooperation and planning with gardaí, both for specific events, and for response to incidents;

• Joint operations with gardaí;

• A recruitment process underway for a senior security specialist.

 A company spokesperson said: “We have listened to and responded to customers in launching the new text alert service. It provides a discrete means of alerting us to any ongoing incidents so we can liaise internally and externally to respond. While the overwhelming majority of journeys on our services occur without incident, we are determined to ensure that we reduce the number of incidents for the benefit of those who travel with us and those who work for us.”

Meanwhile,  local Independent TD Tommy Broughan has received an update from Irish Rail in response to complaints about wheelchair accessibility and ongoing issues with broken lifts at some train stations, including Howth Junction/Donaghmede.

In a parliamentary response to Deputy Broughan, the chief executive of Irish Rail, Jim Meade, revealed that the cost of repairs to the lifts at Donaghmede had reduced from €46,000 in 2017 to €1,850 in 2018 due to the installation of the lift passenger call remote monitoring system in 2017. This system had been installed to help reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour issues. However, repair costs in 2019 have already reached €3,390. 

 The system works by locking off the lift and securing it until it is called into service. During 2018, there were 12 lift callouts and six up to the end of July 2019. 

Deputy Broughan was also informed that there were four misuse calls where doors had been forced open in 2018. This year, there have been two misuse calls due to rusted door tracks that had to be replaced.”

Deputy Broughan said he welcomed the fact that Irish Rail introduced a measure to reduce vandalism of the lift at Howth Junction/Donaghmede station.

“Access to the lift is of huge importance to people with mobility issues and those travelling with young children in buggies,” he said. “I have received many complaints over the years about these lifts being out of order.

“While the reduced repair cost is welcome, it does highlight the need for the station to have a constant presence of security personnel. Wheelchair users should not be blocked from accessing any public transport and Irish Rail and the Minister for Transport have a responsibility to ensure that transport is available to all who need it, when they need it.”

The Dublin Bay North TD added: “This small improvement is welcome but much more needs to be done. I hope to see accessibility measures being provided for in Budget 2020.”