Northumberland Line improvements being discussed after journey numbers top 230,000

Northern, the Department for Transport and Nexus are discussing ways to further improve the Northumberland Line.

More than 230,000 passenger journeys had been made by April 17, just five months after the line opened.

Northern is planning to ensure all Sunday services are four carriages long by July, saying the route is particularly popular during weekends and school holidays.

Dennis Fancett, South East Northumberland Rail User Group (SENRUG) Chair, said the group wants a later last train. At present the last train is the 2216 off Newcastle.

“We don’t think that’s anything like late enough,” he said. “We’re trying to negotiate on that,” although Northern confirmed there will be no alterations in the May timetable change.

Fancett said SENRUG also wants Northern and TransPennine Express services calling at Morpeth and Cramlington on the East Coast Main Line to be included in the region’s cheaper integrated fares system alongside the Northumberland Line.

He said residents near those stations are more likely to drive to Seaton Deleval where they can take advantage of “twice as many trains, one-third of the price and free parking”.

SENRUG hopes that would help reduce some overcrowding on the line.

Nexus, which has introduced the Pop pay-as-you-go system in the area, said it was “delighted” integrated ticketing has played a part in the line’s success.

Helen Mathews, Commercial Director at Nexus, said: “The enhancements we are making later this year are to the existing Pop card scheme and for the Northumberland Line.  We currently don’t have the funding available to add validators to Northern stations, or build the back office required, so it is unlikely we will see additional rail stations added then.

“However, the technical changes we are delivering will make it possible to add in heavy rail in the future, and Northern is included in the group delivering these changes.”

A Northern spokesperson added: “We are closely monitoring journeys on this new line throughout the week to build a better understanding of travel patterns and ensure we can meet demand. This work will continue when the new stations (Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park) open later this year.”