The Scottish Government has confirmed it is developing plans to revoke free bus passes from young people under 22 who are found guilty of repeated criminal or antisocial behaviour on public transport — a move prompted by public outcry following the fatal assault of bus driver Keith Rollinson in Elgin last year.
The 58-year-old was attacked in February 2024 by a 15-year-old boy who had previously assaulted another driver. Despite being sentenced to over four years in detention for culpable homicide, the offender will still be entitled to a free bus pass upon release — a fact that has deeply upset Mr Rollinson’s widow, Susan Rollinson.
“The boy who killed my husband will be entitled to a free bus pass when he is released, even though he attacked and killed a bus driver and previously attacked another one,” she told The Daily Mail. “I need the SNP to listen to me, listen to the public. Something needs to change.”
Speaking in Parliament, First Minister John Swinney confirmed that action is being taken: “Work is under way to develop this and if we were to take the step, there would be the likelihood of secondary legislation being required to enable a mechanism to be put in place. So these issues are being considered by the Government actively.”
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop echoed this, stating: “We are developing a behaviour code with the intention it will cover all concessionary bus passengers. While much of the focus is on young people, I must stress that it is a very small minority who misuse the young persons’ free bus travel scheme.”
The initiative, introduced in January 2022, has so far enabled over 200 million free journeys and is credited with helping tackle child poverty, improve access to education and employment, and support climate action. “This is saving young people and their families significant amounts of money, but just as importantly, it’s creating new opportunities,” Hyslop said during a visit to mark the milestone.
However, operators and members of the public are urging reform to protect drivers and passengers. Sarah Boyd, managing director of Lothian Buses, shared her concerns with MSPs: “It’s an incredible scheme… But if you’re involved in an incident on the bus — as a driver, a victim, or a fellow passenger — some of the stories are horrendous. It is a minority, but I don’t think we should underestimate the impact it has.”
In Aberdeen, regular passenger Elaine Hay described mixed experiences: “There are those who behave and those who don’t. Since these passes were introduced, the buses are busier, noisier, and can at times be quite an ordeal to travel in, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the scheme must come with safeguards. “Under 22s that are found to have repeatedly acted violently on buses should have their free bus pass taken from them. This should be obvious — rights should come with responsibilities.”
The Scottish Government is expected to report later this year on the legal and operational framework needed to implement these changes. A working group is currently exploring how to balance sanctions for repeat offenders with the need to preserve the benefits of the scheme for the majority of responsible young travellers.
