CYCJ calls for the under-22 bus pass to be protected
CYCJ are deeply concerned over plans announced in yesterday’s Programme for Government to suspend or remove concessionary travel cards due to antisocial behaviour.
The under-22s bus card is vital for expanding young people’s education and employment opportunities, as well as social experiences. This is especially the case for young people from lower income backgrounds, otherwise excluded from many opportunities.
Professor Fiona Dyer, Director of CYCJ: “There is no evidence to support that the removal of the bus pass from a young person will stop further acts of antisocial behaviour . It will likely just shift that behaviour to another location. It could also have the opposite effect of deterrence as by eroding the social, education and employment opportunities for marginalised young people, it could increase the conditions under which antisocial behaviour is more likely. We are calling for the Scottish Government to urgently rethink these proposals and implement the recommendations of the Independent Working Group on antisocial behaviour”.
Independent working group on antisocial behaviour
In February 2025, the Independent Working Group on antisocial behaviour published its report setting out five key recommendations, and 45 actions for change. They recommended a preventative approach, alongside a situational response, to reduce the frequency and impact of antisocial behaviour.
After listening to over 250 stakeholders, and receiving 150 survey responses, the group concluded that acts of antisocial behaviour cannot be viewed in isolation from the wider social and economic context. It is about poverty, inequity, tolerance, lack of money, lack of resources, failure, demand, and significant cuts to services that support our communities and young people.
The Scottish Government committed to responding to the report in the 2025/26 Programme for Government.
You can read the full report here.