The Northumberland Line has surpassed two million passenger journeys less than two years after it reopened, according to rail operator Northern, which described the route as "transformational" for the area.
The line, which connects South East Northumberland to Tyneside, first opened stations at Ashington and Seaton Delaval in December 2024, with Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Northumberland Park and Bedlington following in the intervening months. Its success has prompted proposals to extend the line further north to Woodhorn and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
Milestone marked with local treats
To mark the milestone, Northern staff have been handing out millionaire's shortbread, made by Glenton's Bakery in Ashington, to passengers on the line.
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.
"We're working hard to ensure we continue providing communities along the route with a reliable service that makes their lives easier and opens up new opportunities."
Capacity boost and expansion plans
Recent weeks have seen Northern bring in longer trains after calls for additional carriages due to busy trains at peak times. This is only a short-term measure at the moment, but Northern is working closely with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to increase capacity permanently by acquiring a train from another operator.
The mayor has also backed plans for the expansion, and the proposals were included in the new North East Rail Vision, which contained details for many upgrades planned for the region's rail networks by 2040.
Ms McGuinness said: "The fact passenger numbers have hit 2 million shows how important good local transport is for people, and that's why we've backed plans to extend the route to Newbiggin in future while working hard to keep fares low now.
"I know how transformative the Northumberland Line is for people in Ashington, Blyth and Seaton Delaval and that's why I want to see more North East towns connected to rail and Metro, with Washington next.
"We've also agreed to fund extra carriages at peak times, and we're urging Northern to deliver this much needed improvement as soon as possible."
Council leader welcomes progress
At a meeting in September, Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said he hoped plans for the next stage of the line could be brought forward as soon as next autumn.
Reacting to the latest passenger numbers, Coun Sanderson added: "The Northumberland Line has revolutionised not just travel in the area, but opportunities for jobs, education and leisure. We're now working hard to extend the line northwards to Woodhorn and Newbiggin, opening up these opportunities to an even wider audience.
"Such has been its success, it has highlighted more than ever the need for extra capacity. The Mayor and I are continuing to stress the urgency to secure more seats on trains as soon as possible."
Northern runs 416 services a week along the route, which reopened to passengers for the first time in 60 years. Six new stations were built, and more than 16 miles of track were renewed. The signalling system was upgraded, and 24 level crossings were modified to improve safety.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: "Backed by £300million of Government funding, this investment has delivered the transport infrastructure this region desperately needed, reconnecting Northumberland to the rail network after 60 years.
"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.
"I'm proud these services are being delivered by Northern, a publicly owned operator, focused on delivering for passengers as its number one priority."
