but the card can be an invaluable aid in other ways. The new card comes months after the launch of the Nexus Partners in Travel Buddy Service, in which volunteers support people with learning difficulties to access public transport.
Nexus Travel Development Co-ordinator Irene Storey said: "A Bridge Card holder might need more time to find a seat or might have difficulty remembering where to get off.
"The card is a simple, discrete way of showing public transport staff you might need support. They are trained to recognise the card and help out."
David Blackwell from Birtley is one passenger who will benefit from the new card.
He said: "I used to rely on a special minibus to get out and could only go to a local day centre. After training and support I was able to travel independently and my confidence has grown.
"I will use the Bridge Card to go shopping on my own and attend college and work, knowing that bus drivers will see the card and recognise my needs might be different."
Cllr David Wood, Chairman of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, said: "It is one of our key aims to reduce social exclusion, and this is an important step in that direction.
"I want everyone to feel comfortable and confident on public transport and the Bridge Card is an effective, simple way of helping out."
Nigel Winter, Operations Director of Stagecoach Busways, a partner in the scheme alongside Go North East and Arriva, said: "Public transport for all is a message everyone in the industry is working towards.
"Great progress has been made to improve accessibility to buses and other public transport modes over recent years.
"We are pleased to be part of the Bridge Card initiative. It is through partnerships such as these that we can promote the right message regarding transport accessibility and help to improve the quality of life for all passengers."
Commercial Director with Go North East, Martin Harris, added: "We are near to achieving 100 percent access for all on our main services and run one of the largest easy access wheelchair guarantees outside of London - promising to provide a taxi for any wheelchair user unable to travel on our main services due to failure of the access ramp.
"Signing up as a Bridge Card partner underlines our continued commitment to provide access for all on our bus services."
Among things public transport staff can do to help a Bridge Card holder are:
i) Counting out money or change;
ii) Checking a holder knows where to get off, and saying when they have arrived;
iii) Allow more time for someone to sit down;
iv) Explain information verbally rather than giving out a written timetable
v) Use special equipment like ramps and bus stop bays to help people get on and off.
Bridge Cards are available from Nexus Travelshops, day centres, libraries and local authorities. Holders do not have to register as a member of the scheme
