Investigation launched after two men board Cork bus and confront driver

An investigation is underway following an incident of anti-social behaviour on a bus in Cork where two men allegedly boarded the vehicle when it was stopped at traffic lights and confronted the driver.

The incident occurred on a 220 bus on the evening of Saturday last.

A spokesperson for Bus Éireann said the company is assisting the Gardaí who have launched an investigation.

“Bus Éireann is investigating anti-social behaviour on a route 220 service that occurred on the evening of Saturday 3 August in Ballincollig Village.

“The incident involved two males boarding the bus as it was stationary at traffic lights and confronting the driver.

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and our driver safely stopped the vehicle at the next available bus stop.

“Prior to reaching the stop he had contacted his local control centre who in turn contacted both An Garda Síochána and a nearby mobile security unit (employed by Bus Éireann).

“The Gardaí and the mobile security unit attended the scene and both men exited the vehicle.

“The incident is under investigation by An Garda Síochána and Bus Éireann are providing assistance as required, including making CCTV available to Gardaí,” they said.

Bus Éireann, the spokesperson said, does not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour towards its customers or its staff.

Any incident of such behaviour is “treated very seriously”, the spokesperson continued, adding that “thankfully overall incidents of anti-social behaviour remain low on Bus Éireann services”.

“In 2023 Bus Éireann has carried out 107 million passenger journeys and we expect to surpass this in 2024.

“In 2024 to date, we have recorded six incidents of reported assault on a Bus Éireann staff member and 43 incidents of reported verbal abuse of a staff member or passenger,” they said.

Safety of passengers and staff is, the spokesperson told The Echo, of “paramount importance to Bus Éireann and any incidents reported are taken very seriously and are fully investigated”.

Customers can report any incidents to Gardaí, to the driver or to Bus Éireann’s customer care team on 0818 836 611 or via customercare@buseireann.ie.