Scottish Government moves to tackle anti-social behaviour on buses with new legislation

The Scottish Government has introduced new legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour on buses by suspending free travel passes.

The new secondary legislation, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour on the nation’s buses, has been described by ministers as a major step toward improving safety and boosting public confidence in bus travel.

Under the new measures, Scottish ministers will gain the power to suspend or withdraw concessionary travel passes from individuals who breach a forthcoming national Code of Conduct.

The change will apply to all users of Scotland’s National Concessionary Travel Schemes, which offer free bus travel to young people aged five to 21, older people aged 60 and above, and disabled people.

It comes following several incidents over the course of the last year. In March, a driver was forced to escape after double decker bus was “torched by two youths”.

In October, police launched an investigation after a bus driver was racially abused and a passenger was spat at by a group of teenagers in Renfrew.

Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to promote positive behaviour on Scotland’s bus network.

Transport Scotland will now work with partners to develop the operational processes and publish the Code of Conduct, which is expected to take effect in 2026.

Minister for connectivity Jim Fairlie said the change is designed to protect a scheme that has delivered “life-changing benefits” for many.

“Free bus travel is invaluable to so many of the scheme users, particularly those who face financial barriers to transport,” he said. “I’ve met people who have benefitted from these schemes, and I’ve heard about the life-changing benefits it can provide.

“In order to protect this, we’ve taken the first step today to ensure that they, and all other bus passengers, can continue to travel safely and confidently on our bus network.”

Fairlie stressed that most concessionary cardholders use the service responsibly but said action is needed to address the disruption caused by a small minority.

“I have the greatest sympathy for bus drivers and passengers who are affected by anti-social behaviour.

“Everyone should be able to go to their work and travel without fear of abuse – and these measures will help support that,” he added.

The government says the legislation will support its wider goal of making public transport safer and more accessible for all.