FREE travel on the capital's buses for the under-16s has coincided with a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour, according to a London Assembly report.

But the report also accepted young people themselves were often the victims of bus crime, such as assaults or robberies.

Commissioned by the assembly's transport committee, the study attempted to find out how much trouble there is on buses, ways of reducing it and how to make passengers feel safer.

The study found people often feel worried on buses when confronted by large groups of unruly youngsters, even if the young people are not committing any crimes.

Passengers feel particularly unsafe when travelling at night and women, people from ethnic minorities and disabled people feel especially vulnerable.

The report says there have been impressive efforts to try to reduce the problem, and across London there has been an 11 per cent drop in incidents in the first six months of 2007/08.

It suggests not enough thought was given by Transport for London (TfL) to the effects of granting young people free travel, which it introduced in September 2005.

The report also points out, since the abolition of conductors and the introduction of Oyster cards, there is little or no contact between passengers and any uniformed staff, leading to the perception no-one is in control.

It suggests the introduction of CCTV cameras on all buses, and the new iBus system being rolled out across the bus network by the end of next year, will help.

The iBus system will provide onboard computers, a new radio and public address system, information displays and satellite positioning, as well as the potential for live CCTV monitoring if a serious incident occurs.

Bexley police say Bexleyheath is a significant bus terminus and one of the main focuses of the new borough safer transport team, which has been trying to stamp out anti-social behaviour on and around the borough's bus network.

A spokesman said: "The team regularly carries out operations with its partners such as TfL to educate young people about their behaviour on buses and at bus stops and the use of Oyster cards."

She added: "We are working hard to reassure the public and are determined to make them feel safe when travelling on buses in the borough."