Marino Software is putting out an open invitation to transportation & travel teams, to conduct a transportation + technology session. This session explores the implications of incoming compliance directives, including the EEA European Accessibility Act (Jul 2025), and explores technology options to ensure more inclusive, safer and efficient travel. Fill out this quick form to get in touch.
Public transport can sometimes be more than just a little inconvenient. It can be downright painful. And no, I’m not just talking about the struggle of getting home from the Dalkey Lobster Festival, as Maia Dunphy aptly highlighted on social media. The core issue is much deeper—access to safe public transport isn’t just a convenience; it’s a fundamental right. It’s critical for equitable mobility and for reducing our environmental impact.
Not too long ago, we did some research on accessibility in public transport. One story from that study stuck with me. It involved a blind man who chooses to carry an old Nokia phone, despite owning a more modern iPhone. Why? Because pulling out an iPhone at a bus stop makes him an easy target for criminals. He's been robbed and assaulted multiple times. He now opts for the less attractive Nokia for safety.
This story is a stark reminder of the broader safety issues many face on public transport. Verbal abuse, harassment, and violence are everyday realities for too many passengers. Personally, I’ve witnessed several incidents, and the stories I hear from friends and family are equally concerning—ranging from racist behavior to the harassment of vulnerable individuals, and even more severe issues like substance abuse and inappropriate public behaviour.
While certain groups may be more vulnerable, the truth is that this issue affects us all.
The data supports what we’ve observed. Anti-social behaviour on public transport is increasing. The 2024 "NTA Public Transport Passenger Personal Security Report" confirms that incidents on services like the Luas and Dublin Bus are on the rise. In 2023, Irish Rail faced significant challenges with lift operations due to vandalism, leading to over 800 instances of out-of-service lifts. This issue disproportionately affects passengers with disabilities and shows the urgent need for enhanced security.
The NTA report offers several recommendations to improve safety on public transport. We believe that integrating technology can significantly amplify these efforts, providing scalable and efficient solutions to combat anti-social behavior.
Accurate reporting of anti-social incidents is crucial for understanding the scale of the problem and crafting targeted responses. Currently, passengers and staff on DART and Luas can report incidents via text. Expanding this capability to other operators is essential.
Leveraging mobile apps like “See Something, Say Something” from Massachusetts or the UK can further enhance reporting by allowing passengers to report incidents anonymously and in real-time. Additionally, AI-driven analytics can automatically flag unusual behavior on CCTV, ensuring that even unreported incidents are documented and analyzed. By integrating these reports with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we can map out hotspots and deploy resources more effectively.
Improving lighting at key stops, as suggested in the report, can reduce the ambient threat perceived by passengers, particularly at isolated or poorly lit stations. Smart lighting systems can adjust brightness based on real-time conditions, such as the presence of people or the time of day. Sensors can also trigger increased brightness in response to suspicious activity, deterring potential perpetrators.
Expanding monitored CCTV across rail and Luas networks is another key recommendation. Integrating AI into these systems can enhance their effectiveness by automatically detecting potential incidents, such as loitering or large group formations, and alerting operators in real-time. Facial recognition and behavioral analysis can also help identify repeat offenders and prevent incidents from escalating.
Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and repair at stations is crucial for reducing visible signs of disorder. IoT devices and computer vision can monitor infrastructure conditions, such as station cleanliness and necessary repairs. These devices can automatically notify maintenance teams when issues arise, helping to keep stations in good condition and preventing disorder. Crowdsourcing, through mobile apps, can also enable passengers to report problems like vandalism, quickly integrating them into maintenance workflows for faster response times.
Increased visibility of transport staff, including security personnel and ticket checkers, can help combat anti-social behavior. Continuous training for frontline staff is essential, particularly in de-escalation techniques. Virtual Reality (VR) can enhance these training programs by providing immersive, realistic scenarios where staff can build resilience and improve their ability to handle high-pressure situations. The proven success of VR in military and corporate training underscores its potential in preparing staff for these critical roles.
Effective communication about penalties for anti-social behavior, along with a comprehensive response strategy, is essential. Dynamic digital signage at transport hubs can highlight penalties and promote community responsibility. Social media platforms can reach broader audiences with educational content about the consequences of such behavior.
Developing apps that encourage community involvement can also make a difference. These apps can allow users to report their experiences, suggest improvements, and engage in safety initiatives, forming part of broader community outreach efforts.
Using the research underpinning the NTA report as a baseline, we can measure changes in public perceptions over time. Implementing analytics dashboards that aggregate data from various sources—incident reports, CCTV, passenger feedback—can provide real-time insights into the effectiveness of safety measures. These dashboards can track key metrics, compare them against the baseline, and help transport authorities make data-driven decisions to continually improve safety.
Ensuring a safer public transport experience is essential to upholding our right to equitable mobility and reducing our environmental impact.
The future of public transport safety lies in adopting a systems approach and the seamless integration of technology with traditional safety measures. By leveraging data, AI, and real-time communications, we can build a more secure and efficient public transport system that meets the needs of all users.
Marino Software is putting out an open invitation to transportation & travel teams, to conduct a transportation + technology session. This session explores the implications of incoming compliance directives, including the EEA European Accessibility Act (Jul 2025), and explores technology options to ensure more inclusive, safer and efficient travel. Fill out this quick form to get in touch.
We’re ready to start the conversation however best suits you - on the phone at
+353 (0)1 833 7392 or by email
