North Northumberland MP David Smith has called for urgent improvements to the East Coast Mainline timetable, describing it as 'just not working' for passengers in his constituency. The Labour MP's office consulted residents after major changes were introduced in December 2025, which rail operators described as the biggest shake-up on the line in over a decade.
Key concerns raised by MP
Mr Smith has written to Rail Minister Lord Hendy, Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines, and LNER Managing Director David Horne, demanding adjustments. Among the most pressing issues is the loss of after-school services used by pupils travelling between Alnmouth, Morpeth and Newcastle. 'Schoolchildren in Alnmouth and Morpeth must have safe and reliable journeys to and from school,' Mr Smith said.
The MP also highlighted the need for more frequent evening and weekend services, better connections to London, and a simplified ticketing system. 'People in Berwick should be able to enjoy an evening in Edinburgh and get home afterwards,' he added.
Capacity constraints blamed
The updated timetable aimed to deliver more trains and quicker journeys, but a lack of capacity on the two-track East Coast Mainline means smaller stations cannot be served as frequently. Mr Smith acknowledged that the 'long term challenge' remains capacity, calling for major infrastructure upgrades in the north of the county. 'I am arguing for major infrastructure upgrades in the north of the county which would increase capacity on the line and unlock better local and regional connections,' he said.
He also floated the idea of a North Northumberland line, similar to the successful Northumberland line between Newcastle and Ashington, which carried a million passengers in its first year. 'I would love to see something similar further north to help our region flourish,' Mr Smith said.
LNER defends timetable
Responding to the criticism, an LNER spokesman said: 'The December 2025 timetable was carefully designed to benefit the greatest number of customers across the North, with all rail operators working together to deliver services. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth continue to have strong local and national connectivity. We appreciate the importance of rail connections for communities and the economy.'
The spokesman added that the industry remains committed to ensuring customers in Northumberland are well served and continues to meet with local stakeholders. However, Mr Smith insists that 'adjustments are needed to the timetable as a whole' and that he will continue working with rail industry partners to deliver improvements.
