Young people seem to feel that shocking behaviour on buses is acceptable, says Tory MSP

By Bill Heaney

Unite the union has found that 84 per cent of bus drivers have experienced abuse in the past 12 months, with drivers frequently being beaten, spat on or threatened by teenagers, according to Tory MSP Sue Webber.

She told the Scottish Parliament: “A growing number of young people feel that such shocking behaviour is acceptable. There must be stronger measures in place to protect our bus drivers.

“What action is the First Minister taking to protect drivers and to clamp down on the under-22s who abuse their free bus pass by committing antisocial behaviour?”

First Minister John Swinney told her: “I have every sympathy with the point that Sue Webber has put to me. Any shape or form of violent or aggressive behaviour in our society is completely and utterly unacceptable.

“When such behaviour is deployed towards bus drivers who are delivering a public service in our communities, it is wholly unacceptable, just as it was unacceptable for emergency workers to be attacked as they were around bonfire night.”

Mr Swinney said he would the issue Sue Webber raised with him about young people who might abuse the use of their under-22 bus pass.

MSPs Clair Baker and Sue Webber and John Swinney – concern about violence on buses.

He added: “I know from speaking to young people how valued that bus pass is by the overwhelming majority of young people who use it properly, never cause any bother and are an absolute joy to be on a bus with.

“However, there is a minority, and I will explore the point that put to me to determine whether any action could be taken.

“Obviously, if there is any form of criminal conduct, that will be a matter for the police to address, and I am sure that Sue Webber will agree that we would expect the police to do so.”

Labour MSP Claire Baker said she was a member of the UNITE trade union which has repeatedly called for stronger actions, and it is calling for the Scottish Government to convene a safety summit in relation to behaviour on public transport.

She said on the question of raising income tax, Ms Baker asked: “Is he really saying that bus drivers and other workers in Scotland should pay higher taxes in a way that would reduce the Scottish Government’s budget? Perhaps he wants to clarify that point.”

Hoever, Mr Swinney said: “I am happy to explain my position on tax to the Labour Party: I believe that those with the broadest shoulders should pay more through taxation. That is what this Government has legislated for.

“The Labour Party now seems to support a reduction in taxation in Scotland that would cut public expenditure by £1.5 billion, which would be wholly and completely reckless for our public services.

“Claire Baker’s question was one of two halves, and I am completely in agreement with her on the issue of support for bus drivers, who deliver an essential service.

“Measures such as the free bus pass should not be in any way abused in relation to the experience of bus drivers. As I said to Sue Webber, I will explore those issues.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Transport will be happy to engage with Claire Baker and others on addressing the safety issues. We will follow up on that in the light of First Minister’s question time.”