Lawmakers in Scotland have voted to agree powers for the Scottish Government to suspend or withdraw concessionary bus travel where the user of that facility is in breach of a code of conduct, in a move that is hoped to curb antisocial behaviour.
Such a step is part of what Transport Scotland says is “a wider approach to encourage positive behaviour on Scotland’s bus network.”
Free bus travel for under-22s in Scotland has been cited as leading to a rise in antisocial behaviour on vehicles. How the privilege could be withdrawn has been discussed, but it has been suggested that the existing legislation does not provide a clear mechanism to do so.
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie told MSPs on 11 March that the forthcoming policy on suspension or withdrawal will apply to all national concessionary travel schemes, “recognising that people of any age can engage in unacceptable behaviour.”
The code of conduct will lay down clear standards. At its core will be a focus “on behaviours that have the most significant impact on passengers, drivers, and the safety of the bus journey,” he continues. It is expected to be published later this year.
Mr Fairlie adds that a phased approach to delivering powers to remove concessionary travel will ensure a fair and robust process. “That will take into account a range of issues… including business impacts, child wellbeing and poverty considerations, and impacts on older and disabled people.”
In response to Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell, Mr Fairlie acknowledged that removal of concessionary travel will not prevent those who have committed antisocial behaviour from boarding a bus. Nevertheless, the step “will make our buses safer.”
Work with bus operators and other partners to finalise the supporting administrative procedures is ongoing. That follows what Mr Fairlie says has been “substantial engagement with internal and external stakeholders as part of the policy.”
Bus Users UK has welcomed the progress made on removing concessionary bus travel in Scotland from troublemakers.
Chief Executive Lydia Horbury says that antisocial behaviour on vehicles can undermine other users’ confidence in public transport and notes that concessionary schemes must operate “within an environment where everyone can travel safely and respectfully.”
She continues: “Clear expectations around passenger behaviour, alongside proportionate powers to address serious breaches, can help to protect both passengers and staff and ensure that buses remain a reliable and trusted mode of transport.
“As these new provisions are developed in partnership with Transport Scotland and industry stakeholders, Bus Users UK encourages a balanced approach that includes transparency, clear communications with passengers, and appropriate safeguards.”
