Stagecoach is launching a new smartphone 'busy bus' indicator to help customers choose quieter services and maintain social distancing.

The app is now being rolled out to iOS and android users and is planned to be fully in place by June 18 via the app store and Google Play platforms.

The “busy bus” tracker will provide a regularly updated guide to how busy individual bus services are in networks across the UK.

Each service in the live map on the app will be colour coded, with quieter buses showing in a green bus icon indicating ‘not too busy’, through to amber ‘quite busy’ and dark amber ‘very busy’.

A company spokesperson said: "The new feature is the latest addition in an extensive range of measures by Stagecoach to help customers feel confident in using buses as they continue to provide a vital link to work, retail and leisure facilities."

Stagecoach is continuing to increase capacity on bus services to support social distancing. Strict cleaning regimes continue for all buses, with contactless payment available.

Stagecoach’s guide on how to travel safely and comfortably can be found at stagecoachbus.com/coronavirus