Almost a Million Passengers Travel on Northumberland Line in Its Debut Year

The Northumberland Line is celebrating its first anniversary with passenger numbers set to surpass one million by early January 2026. Since services began on 15 December last year, Northern has reported more than 920,000 journeys, exceeding pre-opening forecasts and demonstrating the line’s growing popularity across Northumberland and Tyneside.

The route currently serves Newcastle, Manors, and new stations at Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, and Ashington, with a full journey taking approximately 35 minutes. Construction work is nearing completion at Bedlington and Northumberland Park stations, which are expected to open in early 2026.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said:

“The success of the Northumberland Line has been quite remarkable and it’s fair to say has exceeded all our expectations. We always had belief in this hugely ambitious scheme. It hasn’t always been easy but we have delivered and the figures speak for themselves. Trains are busy every day with commuters, families, students and visitors and the fact we’re nearing almost a million passenger journeys already is quite remarkable. And to have Ashington crowned in the World Cup of Stations is worthy recognition of the positive impact the line has made to people’s lives. We have had the real commitment to make this very complex project work - now we need more carriages and I’d like to see us extend the line to Newbiggin. The whole programme is testament to everyone who has worked so hard over the past few years to get us to this point. We know we’re not quite complete yet but there is not long to wait until all the stations are open.”

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said:

“The Northumberland Line has been a huge success since it opened a year ago and I’m delighted that it’s having such a positive impact on the region. Our staff are proud to provide communities along the route with a fast, affordable and reliable service that makes their lives easier and opens up new opportunities. It’s fantastic to see that people are making the most of this line, as we have recorded more than 920,000 journeys so far, and we are working hard to ensure we can meet growing demand in the coming years.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“Almost a million people have travelled on the Northumberland Line which is absolutely amazing. I’ve spoken to so many people who tell me how life changing the service has been for them and it goes to show how important good transport links are for everyone. The service is buzzing on match days and it’s been great to see so many young people using the service each day to get to college. I’ve invested £10.9m to finish construction on Northumberland Park Station which will open soon. This will mean even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Northumberland Line – including our affordable integrated fares and seamless journeys between rail and Metro in the near future.”

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

“Delivered with the help of over £300 million in Government support, the Northumberland Line is a shining example of what a revitalised route can transform local communities – connecting thousands of people, unlocking economic growth and opening job opportunities across the North East. With almost a million passenger journeys already completed, we’re on track to deliver the reliable, modern transport system that the British public deserves. I look forward to seeing the remaining stations open early next year.”

Olivia Perkins, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Managing Director - Rail, said:

“One year on, it is inspiring to see the positive impact this project is having in bringing people together and strengthening local connections. We are proud of the progress made so far and look forward to completing the remaining two stations when they open in the year ahead.”

Richard Whitehead, chief executive Europe & India at AECOM, said:

“AECOM is proud to join Northumberland County Council and our other partners in celebrating one year since the Northumberland Line reopened to passenger services. At this time of year especially, the benefit of connecting communities is being felt by people across the North East. The success story so far is even greater as the line has already unlocked social and economic opportunities for businesses across the region. This impact was made possible through public and private sector partners working together and serves as a blueprint for the benefit of efficient planning and accelerated infrastructure delivery.”

David Ball, Network Rail senior sponsor, said:

“A maiden year with nearly a million passenger journeys, several station opening celebrations and even a World Cup win have underlined that the Northumberland Line is a fantastic example of how rail investment can transform communities, and Network Rail is proud to have played a key role in delivering the project.”

Ian Walters, Managing Director of SLC, said:

“The Northumberland Line's first year shows what can be achieved when local ambition is realised and the power of a transformational rail scheme to unlock development and long-term economic benefits. We are proud to be part of the team helping to realise these benefits. The project also continues to demonstrate how Land Value Capture can be successfully applied in the UK to support major infrastructure investment.”

Image: Northern