Bus swipe cards for teenagers to tackle thuggery

Teenagers will have to swipe new Oyster photocards on buses and trams in a clampdown on anti-social behaviour on public transport.

From this week, Transport for London will issue 11- to 18-year-olds with "Zip" cards when they apply to take advantage of free travel.

The swipe cards, which will become compulsory from 1 June, will replace previous free travel schemes which allowed teenagers to move around on public transport without "touching in" - and therefore anonymously. Zip cards will allow TfL to track users across the transport system.

The move is designed to stamp out the anti-social behaviour that has dogged public transport since Ken Livingstone introduced free travel for young people three years ago.

A report published by TfL in 2006 showed that "code red" emergency calls by bus drivers for anti-social behaviour rose by 17 per cent in the year after under-16s were granted free travel. It also revealed Metropolitan Police figures showing that "bus-related crime" rose 14 per cent between May 2005 and May 2006.

Seven of the top eight routes for anti-social behaviour were serviced by bendy buses, on which fare-dodging was also rampant.

A report by the Metropolitan Police Authority found direct links between the rise in crime and the way in which buses were becoming what they called "mobile youth clubs".

The Mayor said the Zip cards would make young people more accountable for their behaviour on public transport by making it easier to catch individuals who abused the scheme. "Free travel is a vital investment in London's future, making London accessible for thousands of families by improving young people's access to education, sport and leisure," he said.

"Young people who want to benefit from free travel on buses and trams must make sure they have a Zip card, and they should also be aware that any youngster that abuses this privilege, for example by anti-social behaviour, will have their card taken away."

Zip card applications can be made at Post Offices. Applicants must provide a photograph and proof of age. Over-16s will need their forms validated by their school, college or training provider and show proof that they live in London. Transport For London has set up a dedicated Zip card website at www.tfl.gov.uk/zip.