ANOTHER bus operator has confirmed services will be reduced following on from latest government advice to avoid all but essential travel due to coronavirus.

Stagecoach North East has confirmed its services will be limited from next week as Arriva North East earlier today confirmed it would be cancelling some services due to COVID-19.

The operator, which runs services across Teesside and Tyne and Wear, said it would work to ensure 'critical routes' were maintained wherever possible.

It said a reduced timetable would begin on Monday (March 23) until further notice while it would continue to carry out an enhanced cleaning regime on its buses.

How services are affected

Stagecoach said its services in Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, Teesside and Hartlepool are revised to run to Saturday timetables during Monday to Friday weekdays.

It is understood there are no changes to weekend buses. 

Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said: “Along with other bus operators and key sectors, 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.

“We will continue to monitor the position, liaise closely with government and other authorities, and respond as appropriate to what is a dynamic situation.”