Minister backs proposal to strip free bus passes from anti-social passengers

Those responsible for repeated acts of anti-social behaviour on buses could have their free bus passes stripped from them, after a minister backed proposals to do so.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said the Government is exploring the legal means for suspending concessionary bus passes for people who behave badly on board.

The Scottish Parliament debated a motion from Labour’s Claire Baker on tackling the abuse of bus drivers.

It said the Parliament is “deeply grieved” by the death of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson following an assault in February.

A 15-year-old boy later pleaded guilty to culpable homicide in relation to this death.

Ms Baker said violence against drivers is “never acceptable”, referring to a survey from the Unite union which found 84% of Scottish bus drivers have experienced more abuse at work over the last year.

Her motion supported the provision of free bus travel for those under 22, but called on the Government to “remove access to concessionary bus passes from individuals who repeatedly carry out anti-social behaviour”.

Ms Hyslop said the Government would support the Labour motion, as she described the results of the Unite survey as “concerning”.

A working group on anti-social behaviour is due to report by the end of the year, she added.

Ms Hyslop said: “While much of the focus is on young people, I must stress that it is a very small minority who misuse the young persons’ free bus travel scheme.

“We are developing a behaviour code with the intention it will cover all concessionary bus passengers.”

The minister went on to say that concessionary bus passengers may have to sign a code of conduct in order to receive their pass.

She added: “We are examining the legal means to suspend concessionary passes for persistent anti-social behaviour of anyone of any age, as announced last December.”