Northern Ireland

400 incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded on Northern Ireland's trains in three years

There has been a call for a zero-tolerance approach to incidents on Translink trains
There has been a call for a zero-tolerance approach to incidents on Translink trains There has been a call for a zero-tolerance approach to incidents on Translink trains

Almost 400 incidents of anti-social or inappropriate behaviour were recorded on Northern Ireland's trains in three years.

A public representative called for a zero-tolerance approach to offenders and Translink said safety was its top priority.

Between 2015/16 and 2017/18, 384 incidents were recorded. The totals have fluctuated slightly.

SDLP MLA John Dallat said: "Our trains are equipped with CCTV and should be linked to zero-tolerance in relation to any kind of anti-social or inappropriate behaviour.

"Millions of pounds have been spent upgrading our transport system and any level of misbehaviour is unacceptable."

Anti-social behaviour means anyone causing alarm or distress which has resulted in police being informed.

Examples include disruptive and drunk people or those refusing to leave Translink premises or vehicles.

Inappropriate behaviour involves similar incidents in which police have not been informed, like people climbing on seats on board trains, youths fighting other youths, or people smoking or consuming alcohol on company premises.

Mr Dallat said the figures were worrying and suggested more needed to be done to ensure all passengers had the confidence to use trains without the fear of being subjected to unpleasant behaviour.

"We need to encourage an ever-increasing number of people to leave their cars and use public transport for the sake of the environment but if they are to be subject to bad experiences arising out of misbehaviour by other passengers then that is not on.

"When these people are prosecuted the courts needs to understand they also have an important role to play in dispensing appropriate penalties for loutish behaviour, drunkenness or indeed any kind of sectarian or hate behaviour."

He said trains have been a huge success story.

"What a pity it would be harmed in any way by nearly 400 incidents over the last three years.

"That worrying statistic must be taken seriously and appropriate action taken to stem it."

A Translink spokeswoman said it took a zero-tolerance approach.

"We have seen strong growth over recent years in the number of rail passengers, with around 15 million journeys last year alone, the highest in NI Railways' 50-year history.

"The majority of these journeys are without incident.

"Safety is our top priority and we work with our staff alongside community and youth groups, as well as the PSNI to tackle anti-social behaviour and run education programmes on the dangers of trespassing on the railways."

Translink offers a reward of up to £1,000 for anyone prepared to give evidence which would lead to a prosecution.

Sinead Dynan, director of regulated industries at The Consumer Council, said 96 per cent of customers were satisfied with the service.

She noted Translink had processes and procedures in place to deal with anti-social behaviour.