Labour Party Proposes Removing Free Bus Passes from Anti-Social Passengers
A proposal to revoke free bus passes from anti-social passengers has gained support from Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop. The Government is looking into the legal avenues to suspend concessionary bus passes for individuals who exhibit unruly behaviour while onboard public transport.
The discussion arose in the Scottish Parliament following a motion put forward by Labour’s Claire Baker, addressing the issue of abuse towards bus drivers. The tragic death of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson earlier this year, which resulted from an assault, served as a catalyst for the debate. A teenager has since pleaded guilty to culpable homicide in connection with the incident.
Citing a survey conducted by the Unite union revealing an alarming 84% increase in abuse towards Scottish bus drivers over the past year, Ms Baker emphasised the necessity of protecting these essential workers. While advocating for continued free bus travel for individuals under 22, the motion also called for the removal of concessionary bus passes from those who continually engage in anti-social actions.
Ms Hyslop expressed concern over the survey findings and pledged government support for the Labour motion. A working group focusing on anti-social behaviour is set to deliver its recommendations by the year’s end. The Transport Secretary highlighted the development of a behaviour code applicable to all concessionary bus passengers, with potential requirements for signing a code of conduct to receive a pass.
In efforts to address persistent anti-social behaviour, the Government is exploring the legal avenues to suspend concessionary passes for offenders of any age. Ms Hyslop reiterated that while the focus is often on young people, only a small minority abuse the young persons’ free bus travel scheme. This approach aims to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all public transport users.
By Neil Pooran and Lynn Love, reporting for the Daily Record
Insights and Summary:
The proposal to revoke free bus passes from anti-social passengers sheds light on the importance of promoting respectful behaviour in public spaces. Protecting frontline workers, such as bus drivers, is crucial for maintaining a safe and conducive environment for all commuters. The implementation of a behaviour code and potential consequences for misconduct underscore the government’s commitment to addressing anti-social behaviour on public transport. Initiatives like these not only aim to enhance the commuting experience for passengers but also uphold the dignity and safety of essential workers in the transport sector.