Coronavirus: Stagecoach busses to run reduced timetables across North East

Following new government advice around social contact and non-essential travel to help combat the coronavirus, a reduced timetable will operate across the region until further notice.

This follows actions by bus operators to enhance cleaning regimes to protect the safety and well-being of customers and bus workers.

Stagecoach services in Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, Teesside and Hartlepool will run to ‘Saturday timetables’ from Monday to Friday, while weekend travel times remain unchanged.

Timetables have been created to ensure that critical routes are maintained wherever possible and supplement services may be put on during peak travel times.

Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said: “We are working hard to support the national effort to tackle the current challenging situation.

"The safety of our customers and our employees is at the heart of everything we do. We also know that our bus services play a vital role in keeping the country running and ensuring key sector personnel get to work.

“Following the latest government advice, we have reviewed our timetables and made temporary changes which reflect the reduced level of travel. Our objective has been to focus resources on where we know they are needed most at this time.

“We are working hard to best maintain essential services, safeguard jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of a sector which is central to our economy and communities.”

Changes to timetables can be found on the Stagecoach website.