Nexus in partnership with bus operators and the 5 local authorities in Tyne and Wear have introduced the Bridge Card to help anyone who may need additional support whilst travelling.

If you have difficulty using public transport because of age, disability, illness, or you simply lack confidence, you can carry a Bridge Card. When you show the card to transport staff they will recognise that you may need extra help during your journey.

You don’t have to register for the scheme you just have to carry a card and show it to transport staff if you need help. They can indicate whether you have a visual or hearing impairment, if requested.

What kind of things can the card help you with?

• You might just need time to find a seat before the vehicle moves off

• You may have difficulty remembering the place you have to get off

• Sometimes you may get into special difficulty, like getting on the wrong bus or Metro

Here are some of the things transport staff can do to help:

• Count out money or change

• Check that you know where you are going and what stop to get off

• Tell you when you have arrived at the place you are travelling to

• Allow time for you to sit down on a seat before moving off

• Tell you information about your journey rather than giving you a written timetable

• Use bus stop bays to make it easier for you to get on and off

• Operate special equipment like ramps