Intended as a move to reduce congestion caused by the school run - free
travel for young people was introduced. It has had unintended
consequences, see below, but has it had the intended one?

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/n...users_away.php

Quote
Free-travel youths are scaring bus users away
By Sarah Bell
Free bus passes for youngsters are causing soaring crime on buses by
creating "mobile youth clubs" it is claimed this week following a
report by the body which scrutinises the capital's policing.

Crime on the buses between the hours of 8am to 9am and 3pm to 5pm is
rising according to a report by the Metropolitan Police Authority.

It says there is a correlation between the number of victims and
offenders under 16 and the increase in antisocial behaviour, which
police attribute the rise to the issuing of free bus passes to
under-16s.

Tony Arbour AM, London Assembly Conservative member who represents
Richmond on the MPA, said: "These passes have caused resentment among
passengers, who have, on numerous occasions, told me they feel
intimidated by gangs of young people who see the bus as a mobile youth
club.

"They are taking up all the seats, and often behaving in an anti-social
manner. Parents have also voiced concern because their children are now
free to roam further from home."

He said that despite the increase in offences committed, the Mayor of
London recently admitted just two of the free bus passes had been
withdrawn from young troublemakers.

Mr Arbour added: "I have asked the MPA to confiscate more of these
passes, as to date, on the Mayors admission, only two have been
withdrawn. I have always been opposed to this flawed scheme as it
increases the cost of public transport and fails to improve the
service. Pupils, who in the past might have walked or cycled to school,
are now using the bus, and this is defeating the drive to instill
healthier lifestyles in our children."

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said: "Free travel for under 16s
on buses and trams is encouraging young people to opt for public
transport, reducing the traffic congestion associated with the daily
school run.

"This policy helps families with children and provides a great
opportunity for young people to take advantage of the many things
London has to offer.

"TfL continues to monitor levels of crime and disorder on the bus
network, and works closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to
ensure that the deployment of police officers is made in the most
effective and efficient way. As with any major policy initiative on the
network, TfL is working closely with the MPS on a detailed analysis on
the effects of recent changes to free travel arrangements.

"This analysis is well under way and joint findings will be agreed in
the near future.

"Once this work is completed, TfL and the MPS will work together to
ensure the deployment of officers continues to be appropriate to the
needs of the network."

6:16am Saturday 30th September 2006