‘Face coverings on buses’ reminder

A week-long campaign has been launched to remind people to wear a face covering on public transport.

The North East’s bus operators, working with the local authorities, have come together to highlight the importance of a face covering.

NEbus, the North East bus operators’ association, consisting of Arriva, Go North East, Stagecoach, Stanley Travel and independent contract service operators, plus transport authorities, have united once more to encourage safe journeys.

A series of online activities will take place during a ‘Face Covering Awareness Week’ to highlight the importance of wearing face coverings and encouraging customers who are exempt to download an exemption card from Nexus’ website.

The joint campaign includes a series of adverts highlighting how wearing a face covering, and wearing it properly over the face and nose, not only helps protect them and fellow travellers onboard, but also the people they return home to.

The fine for not wearing a face covering on buses has doubled to £200 for a first offence and doubles further on each repeat offence to a maximum of £6,400 if you get caught a sixth time.

NE bus chair, Martijn Gilbert, said :“We want to highlight the importance of wearing a face covering and wearing it properly, in turn making further improvements to compliance rates on our buses.

“Wearing a face covering not only helps protect you and others around you, but it also helps those you return home to, be that your siblings, parents, grandparents or any other relation.”