Lothian Buses have shortened a service route after a group of violent youths threw a brick through a bus window.
The 49 service has been stopped from going to Rosewell and terminated at Polton Mill after an incident in the early evening of Thursday June 30.
Local councillor, Derek Milligan, who has constituents that heavily rely on the 49 service, said that the recent anti-social behaviour has ramped up to become criminal.
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He says that several of those that he represents in his constituency of Bonnyrigg travel frequently on the 49 when coming and going to backshift or night shifts.
The Labour group leader adds that the 49 bus is important for key workers, such as nurses and doctors, travelling to and from work at the Royal Infirmary and that action must be taken.
Lothian drivers have told those at the council that they fear the recent free youth bus passes have exacerbated problems relating to antisocial and violent behaviour.
On the issue, Councillor Milligan said: “The 49 Rosewell bus service is very popular with young people travelling between Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Rosewell.
“A lot of young people find that they are able to get out of the rain and use free wifi whilst riding the bus for free.
“The services including McDonald’s, Greggs and Costa that can be found by the Tesco in Bonnyrigg also makes the area very popular with large groups of youths.
“Recently we have had issues with antisocial behaviour as young people travelling on the bus can sometimes try to sneak on alcohol, swear or abuse drivers.
“But this has now transformed into criminal behaviour with a group smashing a bus window yesterday evening.
“It is understood from officials that a driver challenged a group of youths for their behaviour and later had their bus window smashed in Rosewell causing the service to be withdrawn.
“Council officials are meeting with Lothian buses chief of operations along with senior officers from Police Scotland this morning to try to find a solution to the problem.
“I hope that the officers from Police Scotland will be able to increase their presence along the 49 route - especially between Dalkeith and Rosewell to ensure the safety of passengers, drivers and so that the service will not be withdrawn again.”
The 49 service route is understood to have been reinstated as of this morning and that Lothian Buses will continue to monitor the situation.
There are a number of residents in Midlothian that rely upon the 49 to access a variety of services that are located in Rosewell.
Lothian Buses and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
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