New Train Line Opens in Northumberland Promising Significant Benefits for Local Residents
Written by Ellie Byrne on 6th March 2025
The long-awaited Northumberland Line has officially reopened, promising to transform travel for communities across south-east Northumberland.
The line connects Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland Park and Manors, running directly to Newcastle. Passengers can now travel from Ashington to Newcastle in around 35 minutes, with two trains per hour and fares capped at no more than £3 for a single ticket.
The first stations to open were Ashington and Seaton Delaval on 15 December 2024, a day that drew large crowds to greet the first passenger train at 8 am.
The project is already proving its worth. According to Network Rail senior sponsor David Ball, the line’s early success is clear: “Connectivity benefits to the communities in this part of the country are already being seen, with very encouraging ticket sales. As other stations begin to open their doors, the line is sure to go from strength to strength – allowing more leisure trips, opening up employment opportunities and encouraging investment in the area.”
Local residents are also feeling the impact. Ian Wallace, a daily commuter from Ashington, says the line has changed his routine entirely: “The station has positively impacted my day-to-day life massively. I can now get to work in under 35 minutes – it used to take me over an hour on the X21 bus.”
Since the reopening, the line has seen tens of thousands of passenger journeys, and that figure continues to grow. A spokesperson for Northern called the scheme “a game-changing project that connects communities across south-east Northumberland, offering a fast and affordable alternative to those who are fed up of sitting in traffic.”
The next milestone is the opening of Newsham station on Monday, March 17, expected to bring the same positive impact as Ashington and Seaton Delaval. Meanwhile, the remaining new stations Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park are under construction and expected to launch later this year.
A Northern Spokesperson said “Around 50,000 passenger journeys have been made since the line opened in December. That figure has now surpassed 110,000 and is expected to grow once the remaining stations open.”
Have you used the new Northumberland Line? Tell us your story @SparkSunderland.
