Free bus passes for Children scheme to go National?

[Stuart C]

A scheme that is currently giving free bus passes to Teenagers under 18 in London may be extended nationally, and to under 21s..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7320079.stm

Now, while, in theory, it is a good idea, I do object to the scheme. Despite TFL's assurances to the contrary, it has made buses feel a lot more dangerous. Even I am occassionally frightened to go on the top deck now, and I cannot remember the last time I got on the top deck of a bus on a weekday without hearing a tinny rendition of some god awful R&B song coming from a mobile phone speaker.

It is true, as they say, that TFL cancel the passes of those who cause trouble and are prosecuted, but in my experience, rather than wait for a group of 16 year olds to find their passes and scan them, most bus drivers just hit the "pass" button on their ticket machines. So, it is relatively easy for these people to get back on buses.

Then, when they cause trouble again, the bus driver often won't approach them, and just radio for the Police (which causes more delay for everyone).


Note: I am not saying all teenagers are like this (they aren't, I've met a lot of good ones), but enough are that I don't think giving them free bus passes is a good idea.

[haydnwalker]

I sort of agree Stuart.

My fiance is disabled and has a free bus pass. Though she won't go on a bus alone (especially empty apart from kids ones) because they hurl abuse and make it a generally horrible experience for her.

Though I have to admit...it might take away some of the idiotic "boy racers" off the roads if they got free buss passes

[greencreeper]

Yes. When I heard about it I did that think rather than hang around parades of shops, causing trouble, teenagers would hang around buses instead. Definitely not a good idea.

[AndyCambs]

I think I'm going to sue to government for discrimination and/or human rights abuse. I was never given free bus travel when I was a teenager...

[Osem]

Heard Red Ken debating this very issue during a mayoral question time about 2weeks ago. He clearly finds it hard to acknowledge that there's a serious problem in London with gangs of yobs refusing to show passes and causing mayhem at certain times. He confirmed that policy was to stop buses should anyone attempt to board without paying/showing a valid pass but didn't seem too concerned about the effect that has in terms of delays, frustration etc. on those passengers who've actually paid for the privilege of using the service. His view was that the yobs would soon learn and give up trying... I'll not be holding my breath on that one however!

[Paul]

Actually I think this is a good move..... now you can all suffer the sort of rubbish I put up with on a near daily basis lol

[frogstamper]

Originally Posted by Stuart C

A scheme that is currently giving free bus passes to Teenagers under 18 in London may be extended nationally, and to under 21s..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7320079.stm

Now, while, in theory, it is a good idea, I do object to the scheme. Despite TFL's assurances to the contrary, it has made buses feel a lot more dangerous. Even I am occassionally frightened to go on the top deck now, and I cannot remember the last time I got on the top deck of a bus on a weekday without hearing a tinny rendition of some god awful R&B song coming from a mobile phone speaker.

It is true, as they say, that TFL cancel the passes of those who cause trouble and are prosecuted, but in my experience, rather than wait for a group of 16 year olds to find their passes and scan them, most bus drivers just hit the "pass" button on their ticket machines. So, it is relatively easy for these people to get back on buses.

Then, when they cause trouble again, the bus driver often won't approach them, and just radio for the Police (which causes more delay for everyone).


Note: I am not saying all teenagers are like this (they aren't, I've met a lot of good ones), but enough are that I don't think giving them free bus passes is a good idea.

I travel up to London frequently from Brighton, but when the kids are on half-term I avoid the buses and go on the tube invariably the language is appalling and as you say this is usually accompanied by some mind numbing awful music. Of course all kids are not like this on the buses, but it seems when a group of more than say five get on their behaviour degenerates.
Personally I think a better alternative to free bus travel would be reduced fares for youngsters, something like 50p-£1 that way they could still travel relatively cheaply but it would discourage the bus as a meeting place.
My god, I'm turning into my dad!!