Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced that the Scottish Government is considering removing free bus passes from individuals who engage in anti-social behavior while on public transportation. This decision comes after the tragic death of bus driver Keith Rollinson in Elgin, which sparked a motion in the Scottish Parliament to address the abuse faced by bus drivers.
The motion, put forth by Labour’s Claire Baker, highlighted the alarming statistic that 84% of Scottish bus drivers have experienced increased abuse at work over the past year. In response to this, the Government is exploring legal options to suspend concessionary bus passes from those who repeatedly exhibit anti-social behavior while using public transportation.
While the focus is often on young people, Transport Secretary Hyslop emphasized that only a small minority of individuals misuse the young persons’ free bus travel scheme. To address this issue, the Government is working on developing a behavior code that will apply to all concessionary bus passengers. Hyslop suggested that individuals may need to sign a code of conduct in order to receive their bus pass, and the Government is looking into legal measures to suspend passes for those who engage in persistent anti-social behavior.
The working group on anti-social behavior is expected to report its findings by the end of the year. This initiative aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for both bus drivers and passengers. By holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that they adhere to a code of conduct, the Government hopes to prevent further instances of abuse and violence on public transportation.
It is essential to address the issue of anti-social behavior on buses to ensure the safety and well-being of both passengers and drivers. By implementing measures to deter misconduct and hold individuals accountable for their actions, the Scottish Government is taking a proactive step towards creating a more respectful and secure public transportation system.
