Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2024
I, too, welcome the debate, which was unfortunately prompted by dreadful, tragic circumstances, and I send my condolences to Keith Rollinson’s family and friends.
I note that the focus is on the impact of the concessionary bus pass for young people, which was introduced in January 2022. I recognise that any threat and aggression from, or anxiety caused by, passenger to driver and, indeed, other passengers are to be deplored. However, to give some context, more than 2.3 million people in Scotland have a concessionary pass—everyone under 22 or over 60 and disabled people and carers can now all benefit from free bus travel. Therefore, as other members have said, the overwhelming majority—young and old—use their pass responsibly. However, it is a privilege and, when abused, remedies are required.
Sometimes, crimes are being committed, so existing remedies can be used. They include diversionary and early intervention activities, if appropriate, alongside the use of police-issued formal warnings, fixed-penalty notices, antisocial behaviour orders and, indeed, prosecution. However, those activities happen post the event.
CCTV, which I know is on Borders buses and most Lothian regional transport buses, has its uses and might act as a limited deterrent, but there are those to whom it means nothing—in extreme cases, they might even see it as offering a challenge.
The briefing from the Confederation of Passenger Transport says:
“The under 22s Free Bus Travel Scheme is widely viewed as a success.”
It continues:
“There is however an acknowledgement that one unintended consequence has been a perceived rise in antisocial behaviour in and around buses in Scotland, observed by bus operators, but also by young people themselves, other passengers and representative groups. The Year 1 Evaluation of the Young Person’s Free Bus Travel Scheme highlighted ‘the perceived need to introduce some mechanism to police the use of the scheme and implement consequences for inappropriate behaviour.’”
I agree.
Let me focus on the minority of those—with or without a concessionary bus pass, young or old—who abuse. Although bus operators have their own conditions of carriage, those conditions apply to all passengers and include legal obligations regarding passenger conduct and, indeed, the right to refuse access to someone who wants to board.
It has been suggested that hotlisting passes would send a strong message and could be used to stop people boarding another bus, but that would mean that the driver still had a policing role and that confrontation would be possible. Protection and respect for the driver and other passengers are paramount.
I understand that Transport Scotland has the authority to remove the free bus travel benefit. Presently, it is revoked if the card is used fraudulently but not when an individual assaults a bus driver—that is surely wrong.
Finally, I have reviewed my own case files and found only one complaint regarding youth behaviour, which was in Midlothian on Lothian buses in 2023. I contacted the police, and the Midlothian community action team carried out additional patrols in the affected areas. A combination of high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols were also deployed on buses to deter and disrupt antisocial behaviour and identify those who were responsible. Although no criminal behaviour was identified, a number of youths were taken home to be warned about their behaviour in front of their parents.
I have had nothing from Borders buses in respect of young people. It may be that the drivers are local and know their passengers, and the passengers know their drivers. That perhaps lends itself to a more responsible culture and respect. It may be different in rural areas because culprits can be easily identified—I do not know.
I note the progress on a code in relation to receiving a concessionary bus pass, which I would welcome—I have a bus pass myself—and I support progress on restricting the passes of those who abuse them, whoever they are. It is a privilege to have one, and it should be used appropriately.
16:41