Arriva sets out new social distancing rules on North East buses - here's what you need to know

The company which operates buses throughout the North East, is now enforcing strict social distancing rules on all of its vehicles, in line with Government guidance.

All buses will have a revised capacity to help passengers safe.

Seats within two metres of the driver will be taped off and a no standing policy will also be in place – however wheelchair spaces will always remain available. When revised capacities are met, buses will show a “bus full” sign and drivers will only stop to let passengers alight.

Nick Knox for Arriva North East said: “The safety of our passengers and colleagues is of the utmost importance to us and in addition to these new measures, we continue to operate in line with previous government advice to ensure bus travel is as safe as possible for those needing to make essential journeys. We appreciate some people may be concerned by the new capacity levels and would like to assure you that we want everyone’s journey to be as smooth and as safe as possible. We will be closely monitoring and adapting services in line with demand, wherever we can, to help ensure this is the case.”

The company has also implemented an enhanced cleaning regime, ensuring all touch-point surfaces, both on our buses and in depots, are regularly deep cleaned.

Driver’s protective screens have also been enhanced and guidance on social distancing is clearly marked on board our buses with notices advising passengers where to sit.

Mr Knox added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their continued support and encouragement of our bus workers during this time, it is a pleasure for us to be able to serve our local communities.”

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Arriva has asked customers to adhere to the following guidelines when travelling:

- If you can, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible

- Carry hand sanitiser with you if possible

- Keep windows open to help with ventilation

- Avoid sitting in seats which face each other

- Sit next to a window and leave a space in front, behind and next to you

- If you are travelling with someone from your household, please sit next to each other

- Pay by contactless or via the Arriva m-ticket app – only pay by cash if you have the exact change as drivers cannot issue change

- Do not stand or queue in the aisle of the bus or next to the driver

- Be patient and wait for passengers to get off the bus before you board

- Keep a two metre distance away from other people at bus stops

Where you see the ‘Bus Full’ sign:

- The bus will only stop when people want to get off

- If the bus stops only one passenger will be able to board for every passenger that disembarks

- Be prepared to wait and please help others by prioritising those who need to travel more urgently than you.

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