From Monday 17 May 2021, new guidelines on public transport use come into effect as part of the Government’s latest steps on the roadmap out of lockdown.
Previous Government advice to minimise travel has now ended and public transport users are being advised to plan ahead and travel safely.
As we enter this next phase of the roadmap and people across the North East begin to travel more frequently further afield, it is the ideal time to safely return to public transport. Public transport is a sustainable, easy and importantly safe way to travel across the region.
Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director of Transport North East, said: “As the Government instruction to minimise travel comes to an end, people can confidently plan to use our public transport network in the coming weeks. Buses and Metros have operated throughout the pandemic to get people to work, and full timetables are in place.
“Public transport is clean, safe and reliable, and operators have worked hard to put in place extra Covid-secure measures to add to peoples’ confidence like enhanced cleaning regimes, more staff, and contactless payment options. I would encourage everyone to give public transport a try next time you travel, especially if you haven’t used it for a while – I’m confident you will like what you find.”
Users are being advised to travel safely, following all Covid guidelines as they go about their journey. Passengers on buses and the Metro should continue to wear face coverings unless exempt, continue to socially distance and sanitise their hands regularly. As much as possible, users are encouraged to plan their travel ahead of time and avoid busy peaks.
To see the latest public transport information for Tyne and Wear visit the Nexus website www.nexus.org.uk/covid-secure
For Durham public transport information visit www.durham.gov.uk/covid19travel
For Northumberland, general public transport information can be found via: www.northumberland.gov.uk/Highways/Public-transport.aspx