Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, wants a summit with all the key stakeholders to stop the trouble on board and "find a solution to this problem once and for all”.

He said he's been contacted by Fife bus drivers who are suffering from stress due to the extent of anti-social behaviour they are dealing with in their working lives - with some confiding they're ready to leave the job because of it.

Mr Rowley said: “Having met with the transport secretary (Fiona Hyslop) regularly in my role as Scottish Labour’s transport spokesperson, I believe we are both equally concerned about the issues being raised by bus drivers around anti-social behaviour on Scotland’s bus services.

“It must be tackled as a matter of urgency – it has a devastating impact on bus drivers and the travelling public and we need only look at the tragic death of Keith Rollinson in Elgin to understand the seriousness of this problem.

“I have heard from constituents in Fife who are bus drivers about their terrible experiences of dealing with anti-social behaviour and the impact this is having on them, not only in their workplace but on their lives outside of work with the stress that comes with having to deal with this.

“I think if we are to tackle this for good, we need a summit of the key stakeholders, such as trade unions, bus operators, the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, local authorities, among others, to agree a multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour.

“There are many great ideas and suggestions on how we can do this but the crucial thing is that this must be a joined-up approach with the resources and support available where needed and communication between all stakeholders so this is being taken on by a united sector.

“That is why I have requested that the transport secretary arrange a summit to discuss this further and I hope she is willing to work with me collaboratively to find a solution to this problem once and for all.”

He has also met with representatives from Unite the Union to hear more about the damage anti-social behaviour is having on bus drivers, the ability to retain them and the travelling public’s experience of using bus services.

Transport Scotland has confirmed that they are aware of incidents of anti-social behaviour in recent months that have been linked to the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for young people.

A spokesperson said: “The vast majority of young people travelling by bus behave appropriately.

"We are continuing to explore what further deterrents or sanctions may be possible and appropriate where cases of anti-social behaviour occur, including through working with bus operators and other key stakeholders.”

Police Scotland superintendent Joanne McEwan added: "We are aware of the impact anti-social behaviour can have on communities.

"Police Scotland remains committed to working with partners and communities both nationally and locally to support safer spaces and reduce anti-social behaviour. 

"Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact us by calling 101 to report incidents as promptly as possible."