Northumberland Line Surpasses One Million Journeys in Just Over a Year

More than a million passenger journeys have now been recorded on the Northumberland Line, a little over twelve months after regular services resumed following a six-decade absence.

The milestone was marked earlier today at Blyth Bebside station by Northern, the train operator responsible for running services on the route. The reopening in December 2024 followed a major investment programme involving the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northumberland County Council and Northern, restoring passenger trains to the corridor for the first time in 60 years.

The line currently links Newcastle and Manors with newly built stations at Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside and Ashington. End-to-end journeys take around 35 minutes, with fares capped at £3 for a single ticket. Demand has been particularly strong on weekday morning peak services and on trains carrying football supporters travelling into Newcastle on matchdays.

Northern generally operates two-carriage trains on the route but aims to double capacity to four carriages when demand requires. The operator has acknowledged that this is not always possible due to constraints across its wider fleet, which is needed to operate more than 2,650 services across the North of England. Platform capacity at Newcastle station can also restrict the use of longer trains.

Work is ongoing with industry partners to find ways of easing these pressures and increasing capacity. At present, Northern runs two daytime trains per hour from Monday to Saturday, with an hourly service in the evenings and on Sundays. Peak-time fares between Newcastle and Ashington remain among the lowest in the region, with a maximum single fare of £3 and a return priced at £6, while off-peak returns cost £5.20.

Further expansion of the route is already in sight. Northumberland Park station is scheduled to open to passengers on Sunday, 22 February, with construction continuing at Bedlington station, which is expected to follow in the coming months.

Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director, said:

“Hitting this massive milestone just over a year after the opening of the line is a fantastic achievement. It reflects so positively on everyone at Northern, who deliver the service each and every day, as well our trusted partners. This shows just how successful the line has been for our communities in Northumberland, opening up a range of new opportunities by providing fast and affordable transport to Newcastle and throughout the region. There’s a reason for each and every journey and it’s been fantastic to hear the line is allowing customers to get to work and important appointments, visit family and enjoy days out with friends."

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

"This is a remarkable achievement which has exceeded all our expectations. For the county council it hasn't always been an easy journey but we have never wavered in our commitment to create and deliver this nationally important project. The Northumberland Line has always been about more than transporting people from A to B - it's about changing lives and bringing new opportunities to our fantastic county. We're also delighted to be confirming yet another milestone - the opening of our next station at Northumberland Park, with Bedlington to follow in the very near future. In just over a year since the first passengers boarded a train in Ashington, we've over a million reasons to reflect on its success and I am so proud of the county council for leading on this transformational scheme."

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 how a revitalised route can transform local communities – connecting thousands of people, unlocking economic growth and opening job opportunities across the North East. With over a million passenger journeys already completed on publicly-owned Northern services, we’re on track to deliver the reliable, modern transport system that the British public deserves.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“It makes a huge difference being on the railway map and local people are already seeing that for themselves in Blyth and Ashington. That's why we stepped in with £10.9m to make sure the Northumberland Line is completed as planned so that even more communities can benefit. I’m thrilled Northumberland Park will be opening next month, allowing passengers to switch easily between train and Metro using Pop on a phone or smartcard for their whole trip. This means if you’re travelling by rail and Metro, you can benefit from our cheaper regional fares which are helping to keep travel costs as low as possible. This will be a lifeline for our communities – including many students and young people, so I can’t wait to see it up and running.”

Image: Northern