§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he is taking to address anti-social behaviour on public transport in Northern Ireland. [144229]
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§ Mr. SpellarTranslink has advised that it has a dedicated internal working group to improve security on buses and trains. Translink operates a widely promoted scheme under which it offers rewards of up to £1,000 for information on attacks which lead to prosecutions. Translink staff liase closely with community representatives and the PSNI in an attempt to reduce attacks and general anti-social behaviour on public transport.
Translink has also advised that security features within the Translink bus fleet include CCTV, driver protection screens, specially strengthened windows in the driver's cab area and double glazing over the rest of the vehicle. Communication systems also enable bus and train drivers to liase with Central Control staff regarding potential and actual incidents. Driver and passenger security have also been taken into account in the design of the new trains currently being built for NIR.