Fears under 22s free bus pass scheme is leading to youth crime rise
A North East dad tells us there should be restrictions imposed for those who are using it to cause havoc
Last updated 14th Dec 2022
There are concerns free bus passes for young people in Scotland are leading to a youth crime rise.
The scheme was introduced in January and has recently received praise due to the amount of youngsters who have benefitted.
However, we're hearing reports from several areas it's leading to a surge in anti social behaviour.
An Elgin dad is calling for certain restrictions to be imposed on those who use it for "delinquent behaviour" after his daughter was allegedly harrassed.
Our sister stations are also hearing about issues in the central belt and in Tayside.
The Scottish Government, other authorities and bus operators say there is no evidence to suggest the scheme has led to a rise in youth crime.
Restrictions on pass needed for those who display "delinquent behaviour"
Neil MacConnachie claims his daughter and her friend were recently victims in two separate incidents.
The UHI lecturer also says he was forced to pick them up after they felt intimated.
He said: "As a parent you don’t want to hear your children are being bullied, chased or harassed.
"There were threats of violence, spitting, there were being encircled by groups and it was all very threatening behaviour."
After speaking to other parents and young people, he was told some youngsters are using their free bus pass to travel from outlying areas into central spots.
Neil added: "The bus scheme is a really positive thing, but if people are abusing it then perhaps it needs to be addressed or re-thought.
"Perhaps something along the lines of if somebody is arrested for delinquent behaviour or something like that then perhaps their bus travel could be temporarily revoked?
"Getting the rid of the scheme isn’t the answer as far as I’m concerned."
Passes helping to reduce social inequality
A source at a bus trade group has told us operators have told them "anecdotal stories" where youths are misusing the pass and causing trouble on buses.
However, Moray bus operator Stagecoach say the vast majority of passengers use services responsibly.
A spokesperson said: "The under-22 free bus travel scheme is a positive Scottish Government initiative which is helping give young people greener travel to improve access to education, employment and other important aspects of daily life.
"In the minority of instances where this may not be the case, we liaise with the police, take steps to protect the safety of our customers and our staff, and ask for the support of the local community in addressing any isolated issues."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "There is no evidence to suggest that there has been a rise in youth crime in Scottish cities as a result of the provision of free bus passes to people under the age of 22.
"Free bus passes help reduce social inequality, provide better access to work, education and leisure and give younger generations a better start in life."
Moray Council also highlighted the scheme's benefits for tackling social inequality.
A spokesperson said: "It's on this basis we promote the scheme to young people and their families.
"We continue to work with partners, like Police Scotland, to tackle anti-social behaviour, whether it's related to free bus travel or not."
'Key areas continue to be patrolled' - Police Scotland
Earlier this year. four teenagers were charged after a bus driver was assaulted in Keith.
While Police Scotland did not wish to comment on any potential link between youth crime and free bus passes, they said the were very aware of the impact anti-social behaviour has on communities.
Chief Inspector Simon Reid said: “A number of measures were put in place which have had a positive impact following some high profile issues experienced in the area a few months ago.
“However, we will not become complacent and our officers continue to actively respond to concerns raised by the community about youth disorder and antisocial behaviour.
“We continue to regularly patrol key areas to provide reassurance to the public and address any anti-social behaviour which does occur.
“We will continue to deal proactively with those who engage in antisocial behaviour and crimes which have a negative impact on the wellbeing of our communities.
“We also continue to work with partners, to ensure we are using all resources available to us to provide long term, sustainable solutions to this issue.
"I would also urge parents and guardians to make sure that they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing.
“We would urge anyone who wants to report anti-social behaviour or raise concerns about issues in their community to contact 101 or speak to one of our officers.”