Coronavirus: Go North East announces bus service changes in response to illness outbreak

Go North East said on Friday, March 20 that buses will still be running, but to a reduced service.

The company claimed “customer demand and available resources are significantly reducing’” following the coronavirus outbreak.

From Monday, March 23, Go North East buses will operate a “Sunday timetable but with extra morning peak buses.”

If routes do not normally have a Sunday service, then special timetables will operate.

These enhanced timetables will run from Monday to Saturday, with buses returning to their usual service on a Sunday.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “We’re doing everything we can in these unprecedented times to keep the wheels moving on our buses.

“This revision to our service levels is designed to help us match resources to customer numbers and help ensure buses run reliably under the current situation.”

Go North East are encouraging customers to use contactless payments or the Go North East app when travelling to minimise physical contact.

Mr Gilbert added: “We are also trying to protect our workforce and secure jobs in the face of a significant downturn in demand for bus travel.

The bus operator also confirmed that concessionary travel pass holders can now travel free of charge at all times in Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland.

It is hoped this will help them access shops and vital services earlier in the day.