CALLS have been made for flexible funding for bus services in the region so companies can react as social distancing measures are relaxed or tightened.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed yesterday that people should only use public transport "if necessary" as part of measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

The Government's recovery strategy, published yesterday, says it is working with public transport providers to bring services back towards pre-COVID-19 levels as quickly as possible.

Public transport companies have reported passenger numbers dropping by 90 per cent, while many are running reduced emergency timetables.

Go North East, the region's biggest bus company, has reduced its services to 40 per cent of normal levels, though it is still operating all of its routes.

A spokesman for the Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents the bus and coach industry, said: "Buses are central to the economic and social recovery of the country and will also be vital in maintaining the cleaner air and reduced congestion we have seen over the last few weeks.

"Bus operators will now be working with Government and local authorities on a joint strategy to provide a more comprehensive network that will allow people get back to work safely. To help deliver this it will be important that when travelling people follow instructions on the availability of seats and when buses are full.

"Reduced capacity combined with extensive home working will mean greatly reduced fare revenue and sustained investment from government being required to ensure the costs of an expanded network can be delivered until passenger numbers return to normal levels.

"This funding needs to be delivered quickly and be flexible to react to alterations in the bus network as social distancing measures are relaxed or tightened."

In April, an £167m fund was announced to ensure bus companies can cover their costs on essential services.

The Northern Echo understands a further agreement on funding for public transport services is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Go North East is monitoring the numbers of passengers on each journey daily and has deployed bigger buses on some routes, as well as strategically positioned spare buses in key locations to assist with any crowding in the context of social distancing on board.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director, said: “After last night’s announcement, we’re continuing to run our services for key worker journeys and essential travel.

“It is expected that a combination of those who can work from home continuing to do so, and those who can travel by other modes such as walking and cycling avoiding public transport, that it will keep capacity free for those with no other travel choices.

“This will enable us to continue with social distancing arrangements on board our services, with strategically placed spare buses across the region and daily journey by journey checks also being carried out, in addition to enhanced cleaning.”

As part of the Government's strategy, people are being urged to avoid public transport where possible, while social distancing measures should be "followed rigorously".

People who do have to use public transport are being advised to cover their faces while in enclosed spaces.

Regional transport body Nexus is urging people who do use buses, and other services including trains, the Tyne and Wear Metro and the Shields Ferry to cover their faces.

Customer services director Huw Lewis 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."