Under-22s could lose bus pass if they break rules

Young people in Renfrewshire breaking the rules on buses could soon lose their free travel pass under plans by the First Minister.

- CRAIG MEIGHAN, PA SCOTLAND

John Swinney said work is underway to develop a system that would strip Under-22s of their entitlement following repeated bad behaviour.

Concerns have been raised that the scheme has led to a rise in antisocial behaviour on public transport.

Last week, Holyrood's transport committee heard of a link between the rollout of the bus pass and rising bad behaviour.

However, bus operators - including representatives from FirstBus, Lothian Buses and Stagecoach - stressed the increase was proportionate to the rising level of passengers caused by the scheme.

During First Minister's Questions yesterday, Conservative MSP Sue Webber asked the SNP leader to provide an update on the progress to remove the pass from those persistently breaking the rules.