Proposal to strip free bus passes from anti-social passengers

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

A Scottish minister has backed proposal to strip free bus passes from anti-social passengers.

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.

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.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

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.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.