Northern says passengers have made more than two million journeys on the Northumberland Line since the route reopened in December 2024.
The operator marked the milestone by distributing millionaire’s shortbread, made by Glenton’s Bakery in Ashington, to passengers.
Capacity pressure
Northern runs 416 services a week on the line, which links Newcastle and Manors with Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington. Sunday services also run to Metrocentre.
The full journey takes about 35 minutes, with single fares capped at £3. Northern has recently introduced longer trains at peak times by transferring additional carriages from another route. It is also working with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to acquire a train from another operator to increase capacity.
McGuinness said the region had agreed to fund extra carriages at peak times and was urging Northern to deliver the improvement quickly.
Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director, said: “It’s fantastic to see local communities making the most of the Northumberland Line, after they waited 60 years for a railway.
“The line has been transformational for the area, providing people with quick, convenient and affordable transport.
“We’re incredibly proud to hit the 2 million milestone within two years as there is a reason for each and every journey, with people travelling to spend time with family, enjoy days out with friends, attend important appointments and get to work, school and college.”
Plans for an extension
The 18-mile line was reopened through a project involving Northumberland County Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern. Six new stations were built, more than 16 miles of track were renewed, the signalling system was upgraded and 24 level crossings were modified.
Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said the line had improved access to jobs, education and leisure. The council is working on plans to extend the route northwards to Woodhorn and Newbiggin.
“Such has been its success, it has highlighted more than ever the need for extra capacity,” Sanderson said. “The Mayor and I are continuing to stress the urgency to secure more seats on trains as soon as possible.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said the project had been backed by £300m of Government funding and had reconnected Northumberland to the rail network after six decades.
“The Northumberland Line is already an outstanding success – delivering faster, more reliable journeys to thousands of people, and unlocking economic growth in the North East by better connecting homes and communities to jobs, education, and opportunities,” he said.