How travel is changing in the North East due to coronavirus - what you need to know

Perhaps the biggest change commuters can expect is the requirement to wear facemasks on public transport from Monday.

This rule has been introduced by Government in the hope it will help prevent the spread of coronavirus as lockdown restrictions ease.

However, in a set of frequently asked questions included below Metro operator Nexus said its down to the police to enforce this.

Here, we take a look at the changes so far:

Metro

What has been announced by the Government?

Face coverings will be compulsory on all public transport from Monday, June 15.

What do I need to do?

Everyone must wear a face covering when making a journey and this is a condition of travel.

Where do I wear the face covering?

On board all trains, buses and ferries and when you are at stations and interchanges.

What should the face covering be?

Passengers should wear the kind of face covering that can be made at home. They should cover the mouth and nose and can be something as simple as a snood, a scarf or a bandanna tied snugly behind the head.

Are you giving away free face coverings?

We will not be handing out face coverings to customers – it is their own responsibility to provide one.

Who is going to police this?

It is not the job of Nexus employees to enforce Government public health instructions ourselves, but we have a key role to play in supporting their introduction as we seek to provide a Covid-secure environment our customers feel happy and comfortable using.

Will you be issuing fines to those not wearing masks? What will the fine be?

No. Our staff will be giving advice to passengers but enforcement of the rule will fall to Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police.

We are talking to the police about exactly how it will be enforced and what, if any, fixed penalty will be issued for not wearing a face covering.

Who is exempt from wearing a face covering? Do I need to be able to prove I have a condition?

Very young children, disabled people and those with breathing difficulties would be exempt from the new rule, the Government has confirmed. Our employees will not be asking people to show proof that they have a medical condition that exempts them from wearing a face covering.

Will a Metro driver refuse to move a train if they see people not wearing one?

No. It is not the remit of Metro drivers to enforce the rule.

Bus passengers may also see changes to their normal service as local councils change of number of road and high street layouts.

Operator Go North East has announced a changes to the services outlined below from Monday.

Metrocentre InterchangeBuses will drop off opposite the Metrocentre Interchange building allowing you direct access to the malls. If you are changing between services, you will need to use the access bridge to cross from the set down area to the Interchange building to board your next bus.Chester-le-Street

There will be some changes to Chester-le-Street Front Street to aid social distancing, but all bus stops will remain the same.

The operator has also advised passengers to double-check bus stop, stand and interchange arrangements as many will be subject to short notice change.

Eldon Square Bus StationAs part of intu Eldon Square’s Covid-19 response, there will be some changes to bus arrangements.Services 6, 6A, 10, 10A, 10B, 10X, 12, 12A, 45, 47, 97, X30, X45, X46 and X47 will terminate at Newgate Street (St Andrew’s Church).Service 74 will terminate near the Civic Centre on Barras Bridge, but will still pick up from Eldon Square.All other services will still operate to and from Eldon Square as normal.

Haymarket Bus StationHaymarket Bus Station in Newcastle will be used for boarding only. Please alight your service at St Mary’s Place.

Newbottle Street in Houghton-le-SpringNewbottle Street in Houghton-le-Spring will be one-way (Southbound only) to allow pavements to be widened. Southbound services will use bus stops near Lidl on Hillside Way.

Middlesbrough Bus StationMiddlesbrough Bus Station will reopen for customers to board services until 7pm each evening.

You’ll still alight your service at the BBC building on Newport Road (Stand Z) and if you’re travelling after 7pm you will need to board your bus from Stand Z.

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