Passengers are reported to have made more than 50,000 journeys on the Northumberland Line in its first month of operation.
The line reopened to passengers on December 15, days after it was officially opened by Transport Minister Heidi Alexander. Rail enthusiasts travelled from all over the North East for the inaugural journey from Newcastle Central Station to Ashington; via Seaton Delaval and Manors; on a chilly Sunday morning, with Ashington residents lining the platform to catch the first train into Toon in sixty years.
Tickets for more than 50,000 journeys have been bought since the opening and Saturdays have been particularly popular. More than 3,500 of those journeys were made on the opening day, with 16,000 in the first week.
Northumberland County Council described the numbers as hugely positive and said they are in line with their initial expectations. A detailed analysis of passenger numbers will be carried out later in 2025 once the service is more established.
Paul Henry, programme manager for the Northumberland Line, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome thousands of passengers on board after we spent years planning and preparing for the opening. The line is already making such an impact in the region and opening up new opportunities for so many people.”
New stations remain under construction in Newsham, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, and Northumberland Park. Northumberland County Council has said that the stations will open in 2025, and suggested that Newsham could be ready by the end of February, but this is yet to be confirmed officially.
Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This is a great milestone to reach after a month of opening and shows just how much need there was for this line which we’ve worked so hard for over the past few years.
Council leader Glen Sanderson
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“It’s been fantastic to see how popular the service has been over the festive period, as well as those using it every day whether for work or education. We’re looking forward to more stations opening in the near future which will no doubt increase passenger numbers even further.”
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