Youngsters using free buses blamed by police for causing city havoc

The number of young people taking advantage of free bus travel in Dundee has soared – but a senior police officer in Aberdeen claims it has come at a cost.

Local area commander for Aberdeen city centre, David Paterson, says young people from Tayside are travelling to the Granite city and causing havoc.

It comes as new data reveals nearly 1.7 million free bus journeys were made from Dundee by those aged under 22 since the scheme was introduced in January.

Speaking during a summit in Aberdeen, Chief Inspector Paterson said: “Certain parts of the east end of Union Street are quite a fertile area for street drinkers or youths from all areas.

“These are from the city, Aberdeenshire and indeed Tayside – due to free bus travel. There are some things conspiring against us a little bit, in terms of public safety.”

Tayside police also blamed youths travelling from Dundee to Broughty Ferry by bus for a brawl earlier this year.

Dundee area commander Phil Davison linked antisocial behaviour in the city to the use of buses, with groups using them to cruise the city.

He said: “We are aware that a number of youths used public transport to get to Broughty Ferry and to leave following the incident.

“The behaviour of youths at the bus stop and on the bus was also an issue and officers are working with the local bus companies to explore how best to tackle this.

“CCTV footage gathered as part of this ongoing inquiry indicates that a number of youths travelled on buses to and from the location.”

Transport Scotland suggests 71% of the eligible under-22s in the city have taken up their free bus passes since the launch in January.

Funded by the Scottish Government, it entitles everyone aged between five and 21 to travel by bus for free when they show their national entitlement card.

Research from Dundee city council also shows more than half of young people in the city are now more likely to take the bus following the scheme.

Other findings from the survey, which more than 800 young people in Dundee responded to, found under-22s are using buses for a number of beneficial reasons, including leisure and outdoor activities.

Young people also feel the scheme is good for the environment and will make a positive difference in their family’s finances.

The scheme has allowed young people to use the bus service in a way they would not have before.

City development convener Mark Flynn said: “It’s encouraging to see that this scheme is being so well used by young people in Dundee.

“In these difficult financial times, it’s helping children and families cut costs for everyday and leisure travel, while at the same time encouraging active travel use which protects our climate.

“I would encourage every young person in the city who hasn’t signed up for the scheme yet to do so.”

Councillor Stewart Hunter added: “A lot of work has gone into making it as easy as possible for Dundee young people to sign up for this excellent scheme, including great support from our schools.

“That has paid dividends with such a high level of uptake and usage of the free travel locally, which is helping to widen access to education and work opportunities.”

Statistics from September reveal Dundee’s uptake is higher than many other regions in Scotland and has increased from 68%.

Figures also showed that nationally, young Scots made more than 21 million free bus journeys.

It also said 52% have now applied for a National Entitlement Card (Young Scot Card) since the scheme began.

Minister for transport, Jenny Gilruth, said: “The majority of eligible young people now having access to free bus travel all across Scotland, for local journeys and trips further afield.

“Free bus travel helps with transport affordability, it helps our young people access education and leisure destinations – all while helping us meet our net-zero targets by encouraging a shift away from cars.”

Information on how to apply for a for a bus pass can be found at dundeecity.gov.uk/ national-entitlement-cardhow-to-apply-or-replace

“The behaviour of youths at the bus stop and on the bus was also an issue

TALKS: Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said the police are working with bus companies.