Bus curfew calls amid 'abhorrent' behaviour

Calls are being made for an overnight curfew to be put in place for repeat under-22s bus pass offenders.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

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.