Transport thugs will have to earn free travel

A scheme to cut anti-social behaviour on public transport was launched today by Boris Johnson.

Under Payback London, young people will have to put in six hours community work to earn back free travel cards which have been confiscated for bad behaviour.

Tasks could include helping out pensioners, painting community centres or being put to work on allotments.

Mr Johnson said: "Payback London will give the minority of youngsters who behave badly and lose their free travel the chance to earn it back. They will be taking part in work that will benefit others, and will gain from the experience of playing a positive role in their local communities."

TfL deactivated 2,301 passes for bad behaviour between June last year and March.