Douglas Ross calls for ‘tougher punishments’ for bus pass scheme abuse after Keith Rollinson death
A local MSP has called for “tougher punishments” for those who abuse the under-22 bus pass scheme.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglas Ross used a debate in the Scottish Parliament recently to again pay tribute to bus driver Keith Rollinson who was killed in Elgin earlier this year while doing his job.
He said that the “brutal and sinister” killing is why those who abuse their privileges should be punished, including the removal of passes straight away for those who behave in “violent and unacceptable way”.
Mr Ross highlighted that since the scheme’s introduction only four cardholders across Scotland have had their cards suspended - all for fraud, yet brutally assaulting someone has not resulted in use of a pass being revoked.
He concluded his speech by quoting Keith Rollinson’s family saying they “had lost their rock” and says that MSPs should do everything in their power to protect bus drivers and ensure that no other families have to suffer a similar trauma.
Mr Ross said: “The bus pass scheme for under-22s was well-intentioned but an increasing number of young people are abusing this privilege.
“In the most appalling case earlier this year, we saw the brutal and sinister killing of Keith Rollinson in Elgin. Keith was just doing his job, yet his life was tragically cut short, and his family left bereft and devastated.
“We have to impose tougher punishments on those who think having access to this free bus pass scheme makes it acceptable to behave in a violent and unacceptable way.
“I cannot get my head round the fact that four cardholders have been suspended for fraud related activities, yet someone who carried out a brutal killing didn’t have their pass revoked.
“Keith’s family are still going through the most unimaginable pain, having lost their rock. He was a well-respected member of the community and had served his country in the RAF.
“Politicians of all parties in the Scottish Parliament have a duty to do everything we can to protect bus drivers so that other families do not suffer the trauma that Keith Rollinson’s family are continuing to endure.
“Tougher sanctions would send out a strong message to those young people that their behaviour is not going to be tolerated any longer.”
