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 from 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.
READ MORE: Four-year sentence for teenager who fatally assaulted bus driver in Elgin
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”.
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.
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.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel