The 18-mile route, which connects Newcastle with Ashington, resumed passenger operations in December after six decades, following a project involving the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northumberland County Council, and Northern.
Northern trains currently serve stations at Newcastle, Manors, Seaton Delaval, and Ashington, completing the full route in approximately 35 minutes. Ticket prices for a single journey range up to £3, with discounted fares for off-peak travel.
The line recorded over 3,500 journeys on its opening day and surpassed 16,000 trips during its first week of operation. Saturdays have proven to be particularly busy, reflecting strong demand for leisure and local travel.
Northern operates services on the line with Class 158 trains, offering amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and accessibility features, including space for bicycles and wheelchairs. Two daytime services run per hour from Monday to Saturday, with reduced frequencies in the evenings and on Sundays.
Northern emphasizes the need for passengers to purchase tickets before boarding to avoid penalty fares, which can reach £100. Tickets are available through Northern's website, app, ticket machines, and staffed ticket offices. An integrated fare system, developed in collaboration with Nexus and Northumberland County Council, allows seamless transfers between Metro and Northern services using the Pop ‘Pay As You Go’ system.
Further expansion is underway, with new stations at Newsham, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, and Northumberland Park under construction and scheduled to open later this year. The ongoing development aims to enhance connectivity within the region and provide additional options for travelers.
