End of the line for bus yobs

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
30/05/2008

Troubled local bus routes, like the 266 and 207, could become much safer after a raft of new measures were brought in to crack down on commuter crime.

From Monday (June 2), 11-15 year-olds who want to continue receiving free travel on buses in Hammersmith and Fulham, must touch in with their Oyster photo-card. London-wide an additional 440 uniformed officers are being deployed to target the major transport interchanges – like Hammersmith Broadway – which have historically experienced the greatest problems with anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime & Anti-social Behaviour, said: “This is the end of the line for the bus yobs. Anti-social behaviour on buses has been a genuine concern to passengers for too long and I am confident that the greater police presence and tighter rules on accessing free travel will make routes in Hammersmith & Fulham much safer.”

A London Assembly report, released in January this year, showed that passengers feel less safe on London’s buses than any other form of public transport. Three years ago the 207 – which runs from Hayes to Shepherds Bush – was named the second worst bus route in London for ‘code-red’, anti-social behaviour incident reports. And the 266 – which runs from Hammersmith to Brent Cross – saw crimes spiral from 229 in 2003/04 to 605 in 2006/07. There have also been complaints about a disjointed service on the 266 with 40 minute waits and two buses turning up at the same time apparently commonplace.

Now safety and security on London's transport system is at the forefront of an initiative launched by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson; Met Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair and Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy. For the first time, high visibility teams of crime fighters will be dedicated entirely to policing bus hubs, confronting crime and anti-social behaviour as it happens.

In a separate clampdown, everyone aged 11 and over must touch in with a valid Oyster photo card when boarding a bus to continue travelling for free. Previously only those aged 14 and over need to do so. 

Cllr Smith added: “Young people who want to benefit from free travel on buses in Hammersmith & Fulham must make sure they have an Oyster photo card and must touch in on every journey.

“Photo cards for all young people over the age of 11 will be a small step in restoring civility on our buses.”