Go North East, the region’s largest operator, has put disposable face coverings on its buses for its drivers to issue, as part of NEbus’ ‘Face Covering Awareness Week’, from 28 September until 4 October.
NEbus, the North East bus operators’ association, consisting of Arriva, Go North East, Stagecoach, Stanley Travel and independent contract service operators, plus the region’s transport authorities, have united once more to encourage safe journeys.
To further support the campaign, Go North East has put disposable face coverings on all their buses for the week, so that anyone boarding without one, or an exemption card, can get one from the driver.
This is part of the commitment from the North East’s bus operators to support, remind and encourage bus users to follow this important safety instruction.
Customers are also reminded to make sure they wear their face covering for their full journey, including at bus stations and interchanges, whilst also ensuring that it properly covers their nose and mouth.
Go North East’s managing director, Martijn Gilbert, said: “We’re doing everything we can to highlight the importance of wearing face coverings when travelling with us, just as you would do when you go shopping or grab a coffee.
“As a reminder for anyone trying to board without one, or a valid exemption, and as part of the extra effort of all bus operators this week during the North East operators’ ‘Face Covering Awareness Week’ we’ve put disposable face masks on our buses so our drivers can issue them. This follows earlier successes from putting these on school buses at the start of the new school year.
“It’s important that people remember that wearing a face covering not only benefits them and their fellow passengers, but also the people they return home to.”
To find out more about Go North East and view government guidelines on wearing face coverings, visit www.gonortheast.co.uk/face-coverings.