Train service returns to Newcastle after 60 years of neglect

The reopening of the previously abandoned Northumberland line marks a significant milestone for public transportation in England. This railway line, which connects Newcastle and Ashington, has been closed since 1964, making its return particularly noteworthy for local residents. The first passenger service departed from Newcastle at 7:57 am on December 15, 2024, and was met with enthusiasm from cheering crowds upon arrival at Ashington. This event is the culmination of a long and challenging £300 million renovation project that involved extensive planning and funding. Northern, the government-operated rail service provider, will be operating a half-hourly service along the 18-mile route, taking approximately 35 minutes per journey. Local leaders, including Glen Sanderson, the leader of Northumberland County Council, have heralded this reopening as an exceptionally proud moment, emphasizing the benefits it brings to communities and the economic opportunities it can unlock. This railway line was one of many victims of the Beeching rail cuts in the 1960s, which saw thousands of stations and miles of track closed to address declining passenger numbers. Since calls for the reinstatement of the service began in the 1990s, there has been a persistent push from Northumberland council for this project. Initial estimated costs for the renovation were around £160 million, but the budget increased due to various factors, including the tripling of expenses related to a new road bridge at Newsham. Currently, the service only stops at three stations, with plans to expand it to include four additional stops—Newsham, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, and Northumberland Park—by 2025. Ticket prices have also been made affordable, with a maximum fare of £3 during peak times and discounted rates for travelers under 21 using a Pop Blue card. To support the new service, Northern has hired 20 drivers and 18 conductors, with plans to train up to 100 drivers and 82 conductors in total. The reopening of the Northumberland line is part of a broader trend to restore axed railway routes and improve public transportation in the UK, demonstrating a commitment to revitalizing local economies through enhanced infrastructure.