Northumberland Line Celebrates 250,000 Passenger Journeys
The Northumberland Line has reached a significant milestone this April, with train operator Northern confirming that over 250,000 passenger journeys have been made since services began in December 2024.
Major Milestone Achieved in Just Four Months
This impressive figure was reached during the week of 21 April, marking just four months since passenger trains returned to the line after a 60-year absence. The busiest week recorded so far was 23-30 March, with almost 27,000 journeys, including more than 8,000 trips made on the day Newcastle United celebrated their Carabao Cup win with an open-top bus tour.
Paul Henry, Programme Manager for the Northumberland Line, said: "We're delighted to have hit this milestone as it shows that people are making the most of these new services. It's great to see the line is already having such a positive impact on the area, allowing locals to access a range of new opportunities on fast and affordable services."
Newsham Station Now Open
Adding to the success, Newsham Station in Blyth opened for business on Monday 17 March 2025, becoming the fourth station to open on the line. The new station allows passengers to travel to Newcastle from Newsham in just 21 minutes, with a peak-time return ticket costing £4.80.
As the largest new station on the line, Newsham follows the successful openings of Ashington and Seaton Delaval stations in December 2024.
Progress on Remaining Stations
Construction continues at pace on the three remaining stations:
- Blyth Bebside: Platform and station footbridge installation is progressing well, along with construction of the footpath to the new A189 foot and cycle bridge. The station car park is being surfaced and landscaped ahead of opening later this year.
- Bedlington: Work continues on constructing the new station platforms, installing drainage, and permanent fencing.
- Northumberland Park: Construction is underway on the walls for the new station platform along with foundations for the lift shaft and staircase, which will provide passenger access from Algernon Drive.
Service Enhancements Planned
In response to growing passenger numbers, Northern has announced plans to ensure all Sunday services will have four carriages by July 2025.
Neil Blagburn, Programme Delivery Director, commented: "I'm delighted with the progress that has been made so far this year on a number of fronts. Firstly, a further major milestone was achieved with the opening of Newsham Station last month, which has given a further boost to our passenger numbers. I never tire in hearing the personal stories of how the line is changing so many people's lives."
Photography Exhibition Now Open
A special photography exhibition documenting the progress of the Northumberland Line is now open to the public. The free exhibition, titled "Northumberland Line Photographic Journey," showcases the history, development, challenges, and milestones of the project.
The exhibition is currently on display at Ashington Leisure Centre and Library until 23 May 2025, with further locations planned along the line in the coming months.
Community Initiatives
The project team has recently established a Community Rail Partnership (CRP) for the Northumberland Line, in partnership with the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership. The CRP is seeking volunteers to become board members or to offer their skills to help promote social inclusion, sustainable travel, and local economic development.
Additionally, bricks salvaged from the demolition of the former 'south' building at Bedlington Station have been donated to local community projects, including Hope Church's community garden and the Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway restoration project.
Travel Information
Services between Ashington and Newcastle Central Station take 35 minutes with no changes required. Passengers can buy tickets in advance using the Northern App, online at Northern's website with zero booking fees, or from ticket vending machines at Ashington, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, and Newcastle stations.
For more information about the Northumberland Line, including timetables and ticketing options, visit www.northumberlandline.uk.
