OH, YE CANNAE SHOVE THE BAIRNS AFF THE BUS: SHOULD THE UNDER 22’S FREE TRAVEL SCHEME BE REMOVED?
Kiera Milne
18/03/24
(Buchanan Bus Station Glasgow, Image Credit: Kiera Milne)
Young Scots could be losing their bus passes, with the increase of anti-social behaviour whilst travelling on public transport, according to new proposals by the Scottish Government.
Since 2022, Young Scots’ and children aged 5-21 have been able to apply for a card to access the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) free bus travel scheme. However, it has been reported that young individuals have taken advantage of the scheme, using the bus to travel to towns and cities, to cause damage to properties and abusing passengers and bus drivers verbally and physically.
To gather public opinion on whether the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) free bus travel scheme should be removed, Blether Magazine conducted a survey.
What is the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) travel scheme?
Young Scots’ and children across Scotland can apply for a card to access the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) free bus travel scheme. In order to travel freely, you will need a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or a Young Scot NEC, that is valid and must take it with you whilst travelling, otherwise you will have to pay.
To be eligible for Young Persons’ travel scheme, you must be aged between 5-21 which the card will be valid until the night before the individuals 22nd birthday. Also, you must currently live in Scotland, and be a resident in Scotland for majority of the year to qualify.
Children under the age of five can travel for free and do not require a card.
Rise of anti-social behaviour on public transport
Last December, MSPs brought forward proposals to remove the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) free bus travel scheme due to the rise of anti-social behaviour across Scotland, and with the recent death of a North-East bus driver, the demand for change is stronger than ever.
In the Scottish Government, Former Minister of Transport for Scotland, Fiona Hyslop put forward a notion on whether it would be possible to ‘digitally’ block people from using their National Entitlement Cards if they are abusing the scheme.
Former Minister of Transport told MSP’s “I have asked officials to look at what temporary digital blocking measures could be used but I understand this would require police time and cooperation and identification of offending individuals, increased administrative time and expertise, and technological fixes which care not yet apparent”.
Furthermore, Graham Simpson, Conservative MSP for Central Scotland agreed, stating to parliament “there was evidence of anti-social behaviour from some young people using the free bus passes, which included those under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as verbal and physical assault on drivers and other passengers”.
(The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Picture Credit: Waldo Miguez/Pixabay)
“There’s a perception the scheme may have also contributed towards increased anti-social behaviour in and around bus stations or other locations such as shopping centres”, Simpson told MSP’s.
A research report conducted by the Scottish Government highlighted that according to the boss of the Overgate shopping centre in Dundee, youths travelling to the city centre have caused £80,000 in damages over 18 months.
Anti-social behaviour has also been evident in other Scottish cities including Aberdeen and Edinburgh. In Leith, Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern, stated “people of all ages have been guilty of anti-social behaviour on buses”. “It’s anti-social behaviour more widely and a concerning increase more widely that we need to be engaged in focusing on what solutions may make the difference”.
However, in order to tackle anti-social behaviour across Edinburgh, bus companies removed services altogether, with bus companies removing services for a night back in 2021.
Tory MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett stated to parliament “that there was an incident of youngers travelling from Aberdeen to Deeside Rugby Club using the pass, banging on the windows of the clubhouse, barged in and insulted members”.
“Due to social media trends, we are seeing an increase in this behaviour- a minority of young people travelling simply to cause carnage in areas they previously could not access”.
In his statement to parliament, Burnett also expressed his concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in rural communities, stating: “This is all happening at the same time as our rural communities are being disadvantaged by low police numbers and station closures. Police officers across the North-East are stretched thin enough and simply do not have the resources to respond to those vandals, who are out only to cause disruption and havoc”.
When will it be enough?
Despite MSP’s expressing their concerns of the anti-social behaviour associated with the free bus travel, there have been no official changes made to the scheme.
However, concerns continue to be raised due to the recent tragic event at Elgin Bus Station last month, when Elgin Stagecoach driver, Keith Rollison was assaulted by a youth.
Rollison, aged 58, was assaulted at Elgin Bus Station whilst working on February 2nd, later dying of his injuries.
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A 15-year-old youth was arrested in connection with the assault, later appearing at Elgin Sheriff Court on February 5, and was charged with murder.
(Keith Rollison, Picture Credit: Police Scotland)
Talking to the Press and Journal, a Bystander stated that a group of 20 young people had laughed and joked, whilst shouting abuse as a fellow stagecoach employee administrated CPR. “They were shouting abuse at those trying to save him, it was unbelievable”. “I doubt that those young people who were standing, laughing, joking and goading those who worked on this man are fully aware of the severity of the situation or their actions”.
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Rollison’s death has called for stronger protections for bus drivers, with the Unite the Union calling for protections. Unite the Union secretary Sharon Graham stated, “The stark reality is that bus drivers regularly and routinely confront dangerous incidents”. “It has become an intolerable occupational hazard for bus drivers on a daily basis, especially for those working late at night and in remote areas”.
As a result, reports have suggested that the Stagecoach staff have refused to work in the town, in fear of their safety and to stand in solidarity.
Should the free travel scheme be removed?
Here at Blether, we conducted a survey to gather what the general public think regarding banning the free travel scheme.
According to the survey, the majority of the participants either use the bus pass, or are the parent/guardian of a child who uses one, for leisurely travel.
In our survey, Blether asked participants if they have witnessed any anti-social behaviour by other passengers.
One participant stated: “Yes, many have been aggressive throwing food”.
“I often see anti-social behaviour in my local bus station, with kids littering, being loudly controversial and not respecting the space around them”, another participant told Blether.
Another participant told Blether, “Yes quite a lot, and that’s why I travel with my child on the bus”.
Furthermore, in the survey we asked participants if they have personally experienced abuse from younger passengers.
A participant told Blether, “It is occurring regularly but very often not reported, older passengers are avoiding bus travel due to the problem”.
“Yes, was told I’d be followed home, I am a pensioner”, another told Blether.
At the end of the survey, we asked participants if the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) free bus travel scheme should be removed, which has created a divide in opinion.
One participant stated: “No, I think it’s probably a valuable service for young families, especially those on low incomes. But I do see how it can have an impact on anti-social behaviour increases”.
Another said, “There should be a time limit, for example under 18s can’t travel using the bus pass after 9pm”.
“No, the bus pass has been very helpful to allow my child to go and from work, it’s helped them get to college too and it’s helped improve their confidence in using public transport. Due to the nature of previous anti-social behaviour and the local tragedy. The actions of the minority should not ruin it for those who are responsible and don’t take it for privilege of free travel for granted”, another told Blether.
However, other participants have shown their support for removing the bus pass, with one person stating, “Totally agree, after a certain time it shouldn’t be allowed to use as it may help cut down the carry on”.
“Safety of bus drivers is highest priority. Lessons must be learned that youngsters need to respect the fact taxpayers fund free travel to attend schools, colleges, appointments and the like but it is not a reward for going about to other places causing trouble”, another told Blether.