BUS companies across the North-East will continue to accept tickets issued by other operators, it has been announced.

Go North East, Arriva North East, Stagecoach, Stanley Travel and A-Line coaches, will continue with temporary ticket acceptance for the next few weeks.

The announcement comes as Go North East said it would be further increasing services to meet demand as some lockdown restrictions are eased.

The company, which is part of the North East Bus Operators' Association, said operators had been in consulations with councils for the past three weeks.

It said through such consultations, timetables have been amended to reflect 'emerging demand.'

It also said, bus operators have agreed accept each other's return, day and season tickets on common sections of route during the crisis.

Martijn Gilbert, Chair of NEbus, said: “By working together the region’s bus operators and Local Authorities have been able to move fast and work collaboratively to deliver the best possible response during these unprecedented times.

“Co-ordinating timetable change dates, collecting feedback on key worker journeys, sharing best practice and enabling the mutual acceptance of tickets has helped optimise the local bus network.

“This ever strengthening partnership approach will be key to facing the challenges ahead in delivering the best possible bus services to get people to work, education, retail, leisure and more, as well as supporting jobs and the economy with bus companies being major employers themselves.”

A spokesperson for Go North East said capacity on all public transport is currently reduced owing to social distancing measures.

It said: "Customers are encouraged to only travel when they need to and ideally adjust their journeys to quieter times of the day.

"They are also asked to pay using a contactless bankcard or buy tickets in advance on bus operators’ apps, if at all possible, and promptly take a seat when boarding, sit apart and observe the ‘stand back’ two-metre line from drivers when alighting.

"Bus full’ signs will be displayed on the front of buses once they reach the temporary limits, but bus operators are monitoring timetables daily and working to provide extra capacity, where possible, to keep these situations to a minimum. Enhanced cleaning regimes are also in place."