MEGABUS has confirmed when it will resume services from the North-East and has issued guidance for passengers ahead of its return.

The coach firm, which is owned by Stagecoach, serves locations including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Middlesbrough and North Yorkshire.

It was forced to suspend all services in April following the sharp fall in demand and the government's advice on non-essential travel.

But Megabus has confirmed it is to resume operating 'reduced' services from Friday, July 3, in line with a change in government's advice on travel.

The bus company has since unveiled the safety measures that passengers can expect when they board a coach from next week.

The 'COVID-secure' measures include:

  • Vital preparations carried out by a team of specialist engineers to ensure the coach fleet is ready for the ramp up in services.
  • Megabus coaches are all being deep-cleaned and will undergo 'stringent' checks in advance of going into service.
  • Continued enhanced cleaning regime which includes daily and in-service cleaning of all coaches with a government-recommended sanitiser, with a particular focus on key touch points, and additional in service cleaning where possible.
  • Anti-bacterial stations on board all coaches.
  • Drivers will be provided with extra cleaning supplies to help keep coaches clean during the day.
  • All drivers will be equipped with face masks, face visors, gloves and individual hand sanitiser for their use.
  • Increased cleaning regime and filter changing schedules on air conditioning units.
  • Social distancing measures will be in place on all coaches.government’s advice to stay at home at that time.

What the boss has said

Mark Venables, Managing Director of megabus, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be getting our coaches back on the road from 3 July, helping to connect people with friends and family, as well as taking people across the country for staycations and day trips.

 “We’ve been carrying out research with our customers and from the overwhelming response we received, we know that people are very keen to get back on board our megabus services as quickly as possible.  With the extra safety measures we have to make sure that our services are Covid-19 secure, and with customers following all the government guidance in place, people can have confidence in travelling with us.

"Our team of drivers are eager to get back behind the wheel and out on the road and I would like to thank all of our staff and customers for their continued patience, support and resilience.

“The timetable we are putting in place will provide access to key cities and towns right across the country. Due to social distancing, there will be reduced capacity on coaches, so we’d urge people to plan ahead and book their journey with us early.

“Public transport will continue to play a crucial role in the country’s recovery ahead. As well as helping to restart our economy, it is vital in bringing normality back to many areas of our daily lives, keeping families and communities connected and contributing towards a safer, cleaner and healthier nation.”