MSPs back powers to withdraw free travel from badly behaved bus passengers

Measures to tackle badly behaved bus passengers have taken a step closer after MSPs voted to give new powers to the Scottish Government to withdraw or suspend free travel to those breaking the rules.

The Government will be able to punish people who break the upcoming code of conduct for those using concessionary travel schemes.

The change will apply to everyone with a bus pass for free travel among those aged 5-21, over 60 and those with a qualifying disability.

It comes after mounting criticism from opposition parties about anti-social behaviour from young people on buses and reports from trade unions that abuse on buses is rising.

Keith Rollinson has been described as a 'gentle' man. — Keith Rollinson has been described as a ‘gentle’ man. STV News

Last month, connectivity minister Jim Fairlie came under fire from MSPs after refusing to say whether a teenager who killed a bus driver could be barred from receiving a free bus pass in future under the new powers.

The youth, who was 15 at the time, was sentenced to four years and four months for fatally assaulting driver Keith Rollinson, 58, at Elgin bus station.

Transport Scotland said the measures agreed by MSPs on Wednesday night are part of a wider approach to encourage positive behaviour on Scotland’s bus network.

The Government agency said it is continuing to develop a system for suspending or withdrawing free bus travel.

A new code of conduct is expected later in the year.

Fairlie said: “We committed in our most recent Programme for Government to suspending or withdrawing free bus travel from anyone who does not act responsibly, and this SSI (Scottish Statutory Instrument) is a key step in delivering that.

“It creates the enabling power for the policy and supports ongoing work with partners to finalise the administrative processes.

“The policy will apply across all National Concessionary Travel Schemes and will be underpinned by a code of conduct setting clear expectations for respectful behaviour, focusing on actions that harm, threaten, or significantly disrupt others.

“Implementation will be phased to ensure a fair and robust system, taking account of business impacts, child wellbeing, poverty considerations, and the needs of older and disabled people.

“Our aim is to make the bus network safer by deterring unacceptable behaviour and, where necessary, removing the privilege of free travel.

“Criminal behaviour will remain a matter for the police and justice system, but this policy forms part of wider efforts to improve community safety.

“I’m clear that everyone should be able get to where they need to go without fear of abuse. We are working hard to ensure that all bus passengers can travel safely and confidently on our bus network.

“The progress made in the Scottish Parliament will help support that in the future.”