Opinion - Hot Issues - Does free youth transport increase badbehaviour?

NO - John Appleton, principal youth officer, Cornwall

One of my ambitions is to achieve free transport for young people under 19 in Cornwall. Free transport is going to be an essential aspect of the agenda to deliver positive activities. Although we are aware that there might be problems, the advantages of it are always going to outweigh the disadvantages.

YES - Tony Arbour, Assembly Member for Hounslow, Kingston and Richmond

Although antisocial behaviour exists on public transport, free travel has seen the problem increase considerably and this has lead to a rise in the number of complaints I receive from residents and bus drivers. A minority wish to spoil the scheme for other under-18s and the fare-paying public. Examples of swearing, fighting and disruption to services are commonplace, and this is reflected in the increased number of code red calls made by bus drivers.