Free bus passes for youngsters are causing soaring crime on buses by creating "mobile youth clubs" it is claimed this week following a report by the body which scrutinises the capital's policing.

Crime on the buses between the hours of 8am to 9am and 3pm to 5pm is rising according to a report by the Metropolitan Police Authority.

It says there is a correlation between the number of victims and offenders under 16 and the increase in antisocial behaviour, which police attribute the rise to the issuing of free bus passes to under-16s.

Tony Arbour AM, London Assembly Conservative member who represents Richmond on the MPA, said: "These passes have caused resentment among passengers, who have, on numerous occasions, told me they feel intimidated by gangs of young people who see the bus as a mobile youth club.

"They are taking up all the seats, and often behaving in an anti-social manner. Parents have also voiced concern because their children are now free to roam further from home."

He said that despite the increase in offences committed, the Mayor of London recently admitted just two of the free bus passes had been withdrawn from young troublemakers.

Mr Arbour added: "I have asked the MPA to confiscate more of these passes, as to date, on the Mayors admission, only two have been withdrawn. I have always been opposed to this flawed scheme as it increases the cost of public transport and fails to improve the service. Pupils, who in the past might have walked or cycled to school, are now using the bus, and this is defeating the drive to instill healthier lifestyles in our children."

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said: "Free travel for under 16s on buses and trams is encouraging young people to opt for public transport, reducing the traffic congestion associated with the daily school run.

"This policy helps families with children and provides a great opportunity for young people to take advantage of the many things London has to offer.

"TfL continues to monitor levels of crime and disorder on the bus network, and works closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that the deployment of police officers is made in the most effective and efficient way. As with any major policy initiative on the network, TfL is working closely with the MPS on a detailed analysis on the effects of recent changes to free travel arrangements.

"This analysis is well under way and joint findings will be agreed in the near future.

"Once this work is completed, TfL and the MPS will work together to ensure the deployment of officers continues to be appropriate to the needs of the network."