Travel bosses step up face mask checks on transport
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Nexus say the move is in response to reports that some passengers are still failing to follow the rules.
They say the aim is to engage, explain and hand out face masks to anyone who needs one – but police will take enforcement action where it is needed.
The Government has said that face coverings are mandatory on all modes of public transport as part of the national effort against Covid-19.
Chief Insp Ron Charlton, of Northumbria Police, said: “We would like to thank the overwhelming majority who continue to follow the Government’s restrictions which are in place to ultimately save lives and will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to protect the NHS and the public.
"Anybody travelling on the Metro who has any concerns is encouraged to speak to Nexus staff or police.”
Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “We are working to put extra resources into bus interchanges in order to promote compliance with the face coverings rule.
“The overwhelming majority of passengers are wearing face coverings when they need to travel for essential journeys but recent reports of people failing to follow the legal requirement have increased, so we are taking action to engage with customers.”
“Our staff are there to engage and advise but, where necessary, police will take enforcement action and that can lead to a fine of £200 for non-compliance.
“Wearing a face covering on public transport is mandatory unless you have an exemption. This rule is there to keep us all safe and by following it we can all play our part during this this public health emergency.”