Both Go North East and Stagecoach buses are now fitted with smartcard readers which check your concessionary bus pass automatically.
If you hold a national concessionary bus pass, instead of showing it to the driver just place the concessionary pass on the smartcard reader at the front of the bus and wait for your ticket.
Your pass can be kept in your wallet or purse when you place it on the reader - but passes must be kept separate from one another.
You should continue to show your pass to the driver on other bus services in the region (for example those operated by Arriva) until smart card readers are introduced on these vehicles.
Click for further information from Go North East and Stagecoach.