Up to nine incidents a day such as assaults and window smashing on major bus operator
Increase in anti-social behaviour this year recorded by Lothian
Anti-social behaviour on Edinburgh’s buses has been described as “out of control” after new figures showed it is on the rise again.
There were more than 1,150 incidents recorded by Lothian, the city’s main operator, in the first six months of this year, the equivalent of six a day, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Scottish Conservatives has revealed.
The total is ten higher than the same period in 2024 and one third more than before free bus travel for under 22s was introduced in 2022.
At least half this year’s incidents (574) were attributed to “youths” and at least 40 per cent to adults (472).
There were also 72 instances of broken windows and 38 assaults on drivers, but the figures did not include how many were by each age group.
Anti-social behaviour peaked in April, coinciding with the Easter school holidays, with a total of 259 incidents, or the equivalent of nearly nine a day.
The total number of incidents between January and June of 1,156 compares to 1,146 in the same period last year, 1,399 in 2023, 434 in 2022 (although no figures for May and June are available), 720 in 2021, 191 in the Covid year of 2020, and 232 in 2019.
Other bus operators are privately owned and not subject to FOI, but an industry source told The Scotsman last year there had been a “marked increase” elsewhere and the true scale of the problem may be masked by under-reporting.
Ministers are considering revoking free bus travel from those responsible, but not removing their cards as they provide other discounts and proof of age.
Scottish Conservatives transport spokesperson Sue Webber said: “These shocking figures show that anti-social behaviour on board the capital’s bus services has spiralled out of control.
“No bus driver should go to work fearing for their safety, and no passenger should feel unsafe on public transport.
“The SNP Government has lost control of law and order and it is frontline workers and families who are paying the price.
“Bus drivers and decent passengers are being put at risk by a growing minority who think it's acceptable to wreak havoc on public transport.
“Every option, including curfews, and in extreme cases permanent bans, should be on the table.”
However, Edinburgh Bus Users Group said the figures should be kept in perspective.
A spokesperson said it condemned anti-social behaviour but this year’s incidents compared with some 60 million Lothian bus journeys over that period, suggesting about one trip in 50,000 was affected.
The spokesperson said: “There's many reasons to criticise the SNP Government's track record on buses, but implying the figures show anti-social behaviour on Edinburgh's bus services is out of control is wide of the mark."
Lothian managing director Sarah Boyd told a Scottish Parliament committee in April: “It is important to remember that we are talking about a minority of young people, and that the under-22s scheme is absolutely incredible and has enabled some superb travel patterns to be taken up by our young people.
“However, if you are the person involved in an incident on the bus - the driver, the victim or another passenger - the experience can be horrendous.”
Paul White, director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland, which represents bus operators, said: "While the vast majority of people travel responsibly, the safety of passengers and staff is paramount and more could be done to prevent and tackle antisocial behaviour.
“We are working with the Scottish Government and others to consider actions including the potential removal of concessionary travel for persistent or severe offences and increased engagement with schools.
“We would also support Police Scotland increasing their visibility across the bus network and trialling the introduction of transport safety officers."
The Scottish Government said its Programme for Government “prioritised consideration of suspending use of concessionary travel cards on a temporary and potentially permanent basis as a result of anti-social behaviour when using the card.”
Its spokesperson said: “Detailed work on the timescale and best mechanism for achieving this is underway, including robust impact assessments, the development of a behaviour code and whether future primary or secondary legislation is required, to ensure fair decision making.
“The vast majority of passengers travelling by bus travel safely and responsibly, including people of all ages using their free bus entitlement to travel.
“However, there is a minority of people, of all ages who act in a way which can result in harm to bus employees and passengers. That is simply not acceptable.
“We have the greatest sympathy for bus drivers who are affected by antisocial behaviour from a small minority of bus passengers. Everyone should be able to go to their work without fear of abuse.”
A spokesperson for Lothian said: “We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all incidents of anti-social behaviour, and the safety of our colleagues and our customers is our main priority.
“We continue to engage with Transport Scotland, Police Scotland and other operators to address anti-social behaviour and keep public transport safe for all.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland, who leads Police Scotland’s approach to addressing violence and antisocial behaviour, said: "Our officers are committed to reducing antisocial behaviour and violence and we work collaboratively with a range of partners, including bus companies, to help make our communities safer.
“Scotland has seen an overall reduction in reports of antisocial behaviour incidents.
“A recent Scottish Government review on anti-social behaviour was carried out by an independent working group and highlighted a number of recommendations.
“We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, local authorities and our range of partners to improve our collective response to preventing anti-social behaviour and supporting victims.”