An MSP has called for free bus passes to be taken away from young people who cause trouble on public transport.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley has said the Scottish Government should take this action because of an increase in reports of bus drivers being verbally and physically attacked.

He said the Government should also look at Unite the Union's 15-point safety plan to protect bus drivers, including giving staff training on how to calm down situations, making sure all buses have working CCTV, and fitting buses with 'robust' safety screens.

Mr Rowley said: "I wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport on August 16 calling on the Scottish Government to hold a summit of the key stakeholders because some of the stories that bus drivers were telling me were horrendous.

"People were going off work sick because of stress, and it was having an impact on their families as well."

He added that not enough progress has been made on the issue of bus drivers being attacked and that it is not acceptable for this to be seen as just part of their job.

He said: "I am told it was pandemonium at Dunfermline bus station just a few weeks ago – it is clear not enough is being done to protect bus drivers and bus station staff and tackle this problem."

"I completely support the provision of free bus passes to under-22s but it is a privilege not a right and it is clear that a small but growing minority are using them to engage in violent, abusive and antisocial behaviour.

"That is why I made clear that the action we are demanding is the removal of free bus passes from anyone behaving in this manner and that the Scottish Government must act urgently on this demand."

He also said that the Government is "putting millions upon millions of pounds into those bus companies and should be making it absolutely clear to them that we expect to see the kind of actions that I have mentioned."