Metro bosses urge passengers to wear face masks when travelling on public transport

Metro operator Nexus has issued fresh guidance for passengers in light of the latest announcements made by the Government on Monday, May 11.

All those using the Metro, the Shields Ferry and bus and rail services are being urged to follow the advice by the regional transport body – which includes face covering plus signs at stations and messaging to help people distance while using stations and vehicles.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson released a 50-page plan outlining the latest measures to control the spread of coronavirus across the country.

People should now aim to wear a face covering when in confined public spaces, such as some shops and public transport.

Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director, at Nexus, said: “People should avoid using public transport and only make essential journeys, but if you need to travel then we want to make sure you can do so with confidence.

“Our message is to follow what the Government says, wear a face covering when using public transport, as you should in other confined spaces including some shops.

“This is a small step we can all take to help fight coronavirus, by reducing the chance of passing infection to other people.

“Passengers should continue to keep two metres from other people as much as possible, with face covering – such as a scarf or mask – providing an extra layer of protection when it is not always possible to do this.

“We are making sure stations, Metro trains and the Shields Ferry are cleaned to the highest standard, and that there is clear information on how to distance as you travel; bus companies are doing the same.

“We are following Government advice closely to provide covid-secure environments for our passengers throughout public transport.”

Nexus is also issuing protective visors for its own frontline employees to wear when carrying out their duties.

Passenger numbers in Tyne and Wear are around seven percent of normal levels with most people heeding advice to use public transport only for essential journeys.

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