Assaults at Scotland’s bus stations have skyrocketed in the past year, according to new figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives.
Police Scotland figures, released under Freedom of Information law, show call outs to assaults at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station rose by 85% from 20 in 2023-24 to 37 in 2024-25.
In the same period, assaults at Dunfermline Bus Station more than doubled and assaults at Dundee Bus Station increased four-fold.
Police call outs to threatening behaviour increased by 50% at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, while Edinburgh Bus Station and Inverness Bus Station also saw increases.
These findings come just over a year after the tragic death of Keith Rollinson, who was killed by a teenager while carrying out his job as a bus driver in Elgin.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Liam Kerr MSP said the figures were evidence that the SNP’s soft-on-crime approach has made life more dangerous for travellers across Scotland.
He added that this rampant increase in anti-social behaviour is placing further pressure on our already underfunded police force.
Scottish Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Liam Kerr MSP said: “The SNP’s soft-touch approach to crime is making life more dangerous for bus users across Scotland.
“Assaults and anti-social behaviour on board, and at bus stations, is skyrocketing because offenders don’t fear being caught or know they won’t be properly punished.
“This behaviour is threatening public safety and placing even more pressure on our already underfunded police.
“Only last year, we witnessed the tragic consequences of this spike in violent behaviour when Keith Rollinson, a bus driver in Elgin, was killed by a teenager while simply doing his job.
“The SNP have finally listened to Scottish Conservative calls for free bus passes to be taken off the small minority of young people who abuse the privilege. It is vital that this is actioned immediately.
“Rather than leaving bus drivers and passengers at the mercy of violent offenders, it’s time for SNP ministers to show they are serious about punishing loutish or violent behaviour.”
