First Bus bans under-16s in Stoke-on-Trent travelling alone after 6pm after disorder
Company says decision comes after spate of antisocial behaviour since free travel scheme was introduced For some, it is a quotidian nuisance that inevitably occurs when you are in the vicinity of teenagers. For others, it is an expression of modern-day lawlessness among young people. Whatever view you take, antisocial behaviour on public transport has become a hot debate – and with the…
First Bus has introduced a ban on all passengers aged 15 and under travelling alone in Stoke-on-Trent after 6pm. This decision follows a series of antisocial incidents since the introduction of free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 across England in August. The ban, implemented by the company until further notice, came after multiple incidents involving young people acting in an intimidating and aggressive manner at Hanley bus station.
First Bus regional director Simon Mathieson reported that drivers and passengers have felt unsafe due to the behavior, with one driver even observing children swinging on strap handles and running around the bus while it was in motion. The company has seen a high uptake of the free travel offer by children in the area, deeming it a successful scheme.
However, Mathieson regretted the need for the ban, stating that the company had seen a large uptake of the free travel offer by children in the area. Liberal Democrats called for stricter measures to address "headphone dodgers" who play loud music on public transport. The Scottish government plans to introduce legislation that could force beneficiaries of the free bus travel scheme to adhere to a code of conduct to retain their concessionary travel rights.
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