Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2024
I thank Claire Baker for highlighting this important issue.
Bus drivers are at the front line of delivery of vital public transport services. Our communities depend on them and, for the most part, greatly value them. I have the greatest sympathy for bus drivers, who can be at the sharp end of antisocial behaviour from a small minority. Antisocial behaviour is unacceptable in all contexts, and the concerning results of Unite’s survey of bus drivers highlight the negative effects on bus travel.
The Scottish Government takes the issue very seriously. We will support the motion, which broadly reflects the Government’s position, and I intend to relay the progress on each item.
No single approach or stakeholder can or will fix the problem. Police Scotland and local authorities lead on antisocial behaviour interventions, and local partnerships are often best placed to understand and resolve issues in their communities. The Government’s role is to provide partners with the powers and tools to do that, and that work is being progressed as a priority.
The Minister for Victims and Community Safety, who is in the chamber, has tasked an independent working group on antisocial behaviour to report by the end of the year. The group has gathered a wide range of evidence, including from bus operators and bus passenger representatives, and its report will improve our understanding of antisocial behaviour and provide insight into how a strategic approach to prevention remains relevant and core to today’s society.
Although bus operators can already restrict access to their services—including for fare-paying passengers—in line with their conditions of carriage, we continue to work closely with them and others to develop further options for addressing antisocial behaviour, through learning from our investment in travel safe teams and use of body-worn cameras on the rail network.
Much of the focus is on young people, but I must stress that a very small minority misuse the young persons free bus travel scheme. We are developing a behaviour code, with the intention that it will cover all passengers who have a concessionary bus pass. The vast majority of Scotland’s young people will have no hesitation in accepting the responsibility that accompanies their entitlement.