LILLIAN Jones MP has called for action following recent violence at Kilmarnock bus station.
The politician, who represents Kilmarnock and Loudoun, raised concerns in response to a serious incident that left a young man seriously injured.
She said: "The recent incident at Kilmarnock Bus Station was deeply concerning, and my thoughts are with the young man who was seriously injured.
"I want to be clear: this kind of violence has no place in our community, and it is right that Police Scotland have acted quickly to bring charges."
Ms Jones acknowledged that most bus journeys in the area are peaceful but warned of a "persistent group of young people" involved in anti-social behaviour that disrupts passengers, businesses, and residents.
She argued that the current system does not give police adequate powers to intervene early or effectively with under-18s.
She said Scottish Government policies have left policing and justice services stretched.
The MP pointed to UK Government legislation in England that gives officers stronger powers to address anti-social behaviour before it escalates.
She also raised concerns about the misuse of the free bus travel scheme for under-22s, which she said is being exploited by a minority to travel between areas and cause disruption.
She said: "It must be protected from misuse.
"When it is exploited by a small minority to travel between areas causing disruption, it risks undermining public confidence in public transport."
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