Bus curfew call made by MSP in wake of "abhorrent" behaviour on local services
The call follows the suspension of evening services through the main bus stance in Tillicoultry due to a rise in antisocial behaviour and would see the curfew in place for repeat under-22s bus pass offenders.
Calls are being made for an overnight curfew to be put in place for repeat under-22s bus pass offenders.
Local Scottish Conservative Mid-Scotland & Fife MSP, Alexander Stewart has called for the 8pm to 7am ban on use of the passes for some troublemakers.
It has been nearly three years since under 22s were granted free bus travel and since then reports of drivers being abused are said to have risen considerably.
A recent Unite union survey of 1100 bus drivers found 84 per cent said abuse had increased in the last 12 months - 16 per cent of it physical and much of it going unreported.
In Tillicoultry alone, bus company McGill's had to suspend evening bus services through the main bus stance due to a significant increase in antisocial behaviour. It included young people attempting to force their way onto buses, throwing missiles, and smashing windows.
In response, McGill's supported calls for the removal of free bus passes from those who engage in such behaviour.
However, whilst Mr Stewart also believes this should be the ultimate action for the worst offenders, he says a curfew may go some way in attempting to curtail this 'abhorrent' behaviour.
He recently met with a senior police officer who also highlighted the situation in more detail and confirmed police are introducing a range of clampdowns.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Mr Stewart said: 'This free bus travel scheme for under-22 year-olds was introduced in January 2022 with the main objective of making public transport more affordable and accessible to Scotland's young people.
'However it appears that whilst it was introduced with all good initial intentions, the initial idea may have backfired in many areas.
'Especially in the evenings, right across my region, bus drivers are being threatened, physically and mentally abused – and buses attacked and vandalised – all with huge monetary and mental cost to both the operators and the individuals just wanting to hold down a job.
'The majority of this abhorrent behaviour appears to take place in the evenings, so whilst I support the ultimate removal of this privilege for the very worst and repetitive offenders, a curfew from 8pm could certainly go some way in attempting to curtail the disturbances.'
But Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell said more education was key, adding: 'Anyone who commits anti-social behaviour on the buses, regardless of their age and whether they are fare paying or have a pass, can be refused travel under the bus operator's 'Conditions of Carriage'.
'Bus operators need more support from the police to enforce this rather than attempting to create curfews for certain groups.
'The U22s scheme has been hugely successful for thousands of young people around the Stirling area and we should celebrate the freedom and opportunity it has given them.
'There is a need for education around bus use for young people, but that's more about courtesy to other passengers than tackling anti-social behaviour and High Schools could play a greater role working with Young Scot.'
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