The Northumberland Line is NOW OPEN!

Two new stations - Ashington and Seaton Delaval - are the newest stations on the network as the Northumberland Line opened on Sunday 15th December 2024.
I went along for the press trip which took place a few days earlier ... here's everything you need to know about the new line and stations.
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/ @geofftech2

[@PointARail]

The celebrations on arrival at Ashington is exactly what reopening our long lost rail routes should feel like, it's great!

[@mcbain23]

loved the band playing Blaydon Races HWTL 🖤🤍

[@lordgemini2376]

So many more lines to reopen, I hope the Ivanhoe Line between Burton and Leicester is next!

[@averagetrainspotterireland]

Midleton had this

[@historyinfo-bites]

That brass band is very Victorian, just like opening a station on the Liverpool and Manchester railway in 1830 (edit : William IV was King then, of course, so very pre-Victorian)

[@HamTransitHistory]

@@historyinfo-bites Would be interesting to know if there was a brass band on opening day in Ashington decades ago

[@apc108]

I grew up next to this line. It closed when I was 10. Nowadays, traffic around Newcastle in the mornings and evenings can be awful. This will be a big help for people. There is already talk in the local press about extending the line to Newbiggin. There is also a freight line to Morpeth that can be brought back into passenger use. This is going to be a big success.

[@pavo45]

It just goes to show how wrong it was in the Beeching days, to rip up all those lines rather than just moth ball them, but hindsight is another thing! Great Video, many wise words spoken by all!

[@aaronsmith9209]

Must be annoying living in one of these towns where the railway still physically existed but with no passenger services at all. Quite a few places all around the country like that as well. Places like Royal Wootton Bassett, Portishead and Marchwood/ Hythe in the south/ south west alone. This line still has a physical rail connection to Morpeth from both Ashington and Bedlington, so hopefully the potential is there for further expansions to the service and to further improve regional connectivity. The loss of such connectivity with nothing much to replace it was a massive mistake in the late 20th century, I think governments since then have really regretted it.

[@peterskegness3204]

This line was not ripped up, but used by freight. Those that were, why would BR hang on to redundant assets and have to continuously upkeep them for 50+ years just on the off chance they might be needed again? It would have cost huge amounts for their upkeep which BR didn't have.

[@barvdw]

@@peterskegness3204 true to not keep rails in place, after a few years, you'd have to replace them regardless, but it has been straight up vandalism to give up on the ROWs in many cases, with them being paved over for more roads, houses, etc. Not every line could have been saved and maybe even should have been saved, but too many were given up too quickly.

[@peterskegness3204]

@@barvdw Unfortunately it's not that simple. Even without the rails, the trackbed would still have to be kept clear of vegetation and infrastructure such as cuttings, embankments, tunnels, and viaducts, all maintained. Would have cost a huge sum when considering how many miles of disused trackbed were involved, and money that BR simply didn't have available. Had it done so, its finances would have likely deteriorated to the point that even more lines would have had to be closed. It makes relatively little difference, anyway. Wisbech, where the trackbed is still available, still remains unconnected after many years of campaigning for the reinstatement of the railway. There are numerous issues scuppering in, not just funding, but the issue of reinstating level crossings which is something the ORR will not agree to, and would somehow have to be overcome. As I said, it is by no means a straightforward process, nor is retaining redundant infrastructure indefinitely either realistic or logical.

[@barvdw]

@@peterskegness3204 even if those had been left to decay over the years, there would be less issues to reuse them for a new railway line if they weren't sold off, which is the main problem today. With all sympathy for Wisbech and the rail advocates in the region, there are some lines where we are banging our heads today for having allowed them to be built over, because it's a small fortune to buy the new owners out, if that is even possible.

[@michaelboys2602]

Brilliant video, Geoff. I live in Northumberland and I cannot wait to ride this line. It will be amazing for Ashington.

[@roderickjoyce6716]

I expected the first train from Newcastle would be busy with other enthusiasts and it was; I was pleased and surprised to see so many locals waiting to board the first train from Ashington at 8 o'clock on a December Sunday morning. Not many people got off the next arrival, but it was reasonably busy when it departed at 09:36. We have been waiting for this (and the new Metro Class 555s) for a very long time, but it seems things really are getting better. (Just for once I didn't have to travel miles to take part in a railway event, I live just up the road from Newcastle Central 😀).

[@matpk]

WHY DONT OVERGROUND EXTEND TO MERIDIAN WATER?

[@patrickchampion8179]

I got the first train to Ashington in the morning and saw much the same as you (came from Gateshead), bit of breakfast in the wetherspoons and second one back. Very noticeable how local the crowd back to Newcastle was. Took some mildly enthusiast mates up the line later on in the day and again, it was practically full and standing on some of the early afternoon trains - met old friends and work colleagues purely by chance. You could tell how much it meant to people - especially with the fares being so reasonable in this not particularly affluent area...

[@Harry_Hippie]

As usual Geoff goes the extra mile and pops to bridge to show us viewing public the station from a distance this is why Geoff is the best at what he does❤. Love your videos Sir, of what is history you are collecting for us here on KZbin

[@FusionZenFlame]

Hello, I was on this line today. Got the first train of the day out of Newcastle!

[@PieterCusters1983]

I saw you!

[@FusionZenFlame]

@PieterCusters1983 Yeah you may of, I was with 4 of my friends. Would've had more but some couldn't come along.

[@craig.bryant]

Great great news for our region! Loved the band playing the Blaydon Races and the Northumberland flag waving! Really pleased this project has come to fruition and hopefully opens up more joined up transport in South East Northumberland/Newcastle/North East in general. #HowayTheTrains

[@patrickchampion8179]

This is an emotional one as a Tyneside lad. Every train today seemed busy - you can say it's first day enthusiasts or christmas shoppers, but frankly most of the people on the trains especially into the afternoon were just making use of this great new facility. This is a game changer for a town that has had far too many setbacks in recent decades - if anything it will struggle to cope with the deluge of people who want to use it especially when Newcastle United play at home!! And bravo Geoff for doing my home region justice, I've watched you since I was an actual kid, enjoyed so many of your videos when at uni not too far from London. To welcome you to our region is a privilege, and I hope you sample each of the line's stations, once it finally reaches completion hopefully in the next year or so...

[@geofftech2]

thanks Patrick! kind words, thank you. I hope that it is indeed hugely used and a great success, and i'll be back when the other station open - yes!

[@garybradley2171]

Massive benefit that you touched upon… integration with Tyne and Wear metro at Northumberland park and central station… AND Northumberland line is covered by the Pop card (including a new zone D). With “overland” main line routes like this being added the regional system is getting back up to the strength of the “Tyneside Electrics” of the early 20 century🤩

[@Ha1ryV1king]

I was hoping you’d return for the opening. Such a great day to have the line reopen. It will open so many doors for people who can now easily get to Newcastle.

[@Ha1ryV1king]

@@dizzy2020well, thanks for your opinion. This line opening certainly helps someone like me who doesn’t drive or rather I can’t drive. I welcome your point of view however.

[@50upss]

Been watching the trains all day from my bedroom window, knew you would be on one of them Geoff ;) Edit: btw I’ve been seeing 4 unit trains all day, which makes me so happy

[@cyprianbeecroft569]

Hopefullly now more disused lines can get a passenger service (although ticket prices do have to improve first...)!

[@ianhudson2193]

Unlikely......

[@50upss]

Leamside line next for the north east I hope!

[@ianhudson2193]

@@50upss I hope you're under 30 if you want to ride it......

[@davefrench3608]

Sadly the Waterside Line reopening has been killed by this government

[@POKE3000-c2g]

Theres A Line Near Me That Spread Through The Whole Isle Of Grain

[@markm-1976]

I was there today on the Northumberland line. I took a trip down from Glasgow. Journey going was 2 class 156s coupled together from NCL to Ashington, the return was 2 158s. I was too late in arriving for the fanfare playing for the opening of the line at Ashington. What a crowd turned up. Once the new intermediate stations are opened in 2025, it will be great. I did not realise that this will be zone D on the Tyne and wear metro day ticket, or weekly and monthly tickets. Great video coverage 👍 👏

[@jaffacakecraigy]

Hey Geoff, great to see this video i knew would be coming! I was born in Blyth just over the river from Ashington and Lived there 24 Years. Reopening the line always seemed to get talked about but never got anywhere, to see it finally happen is amazing, even if i am now in North Yorkshire. Newsham, which you did a video on the construction of, was a stone’s throw from my old house, and Bebside is also very familiar to me, can’t wait to see your videos when those stations open. Got into your videos through my love of the tube and the railways, but never thought i’d see you at stations so near to my birthplace, but here we are, aren’t Railways Brilliant! Thank You Geoff :)

[@geofftech2]

thanks Craig !! very kind. i suspect i'll wait for the rest of all the stations on the line to open up now, before i go back ..

[@jaffacakecraigy]

@ can’t wait Geoff. Can’t express enough how glad i am of your content, it is always done so well :)

[@Someloke8895]

Odd coincidences here, my Mum's side of the Family are Blyth born, in the Newsham area. I myself am a Yorkie, having recently moved down here for work from near Berwick. It always did strike me odd that Blyth had the freight, but no active station, growing up and visiting.

[@tomheadington4762]

amazing to have new rail lines open, my only criticism would be the lack of electrification, though hopefully they've built it so it'll be easy to add in the future.

[@shelley1211]

Absolutely mega to see you on my doorstep and give me a good look at the Northumberland line!

[@duncanetjacquelinejack4481]

Robert Stephenson was born walking distance from this line. George worked at the Killingworth pit at the time. I think they'd have been at the opening too.

[@Theguywithalotofallergies]

Geoff must be busy to upload these videos just all the editing takes him a long time so appreciate his content guys

[@johnrafferty8087]

Great to see another line in Passinger Use again and more stations Reopened. With this and the New Stations opening. It gives you more Hooe for the future

[@Rail_Focus]

It really will be a game changer once open in full. But it already looked on Sunday that "regular" passengers were using the line, which was good to see

[@geofftech2]

thanks Chris! sounds like its popular .... and just watching your video now!

[@JRWgg]

My Wife works in a School in this area - some of the kids thought the Tyne Tunnel was a 'time tunnel,' most had never heard of it or had no idea what it was for. She's took them to Newcastle for pantomimes and such and they looked stunned as they got off the bus. A wild thing to be visiting a city only 20miles away. This is a game changer, its opened up opportunity for both the city and Northumberland. The bus system sucks - its takes too long during rush hour times. A huge congratulations to all involved, I can only imagine the persistance needed to get this over the line. Although, why has this taken 14 years from concept to opening (what is only half a project at this stage) during a time when we had a government rattling on about 'levelling up the north.' Again, congratulations to the team involved in making sure Nortumberland isnt forgotten about.

[@PhilSnoad]

Another Great Video. Thanks Geoff for your fantastic videos. Don't ever stop.

[@geofftech2]

that's very kind Phil, thank you!

[@HenrysAdventures]

I love the idea of travelling on a Class 158 from Ashington to Stalybridge!

[@lamudri]

I wouldn't be too surprised if it were possible to do the journey using only 158s, or at least only Sprinters.

[@ed_menno]

Great to see, big population up there, i really hope it'll be a huge success. I remember when the freight lines at my hometown (Rugeley) became vacant and the Walsall - Rugeley line was reopened for passenger use. It's now electrified and really well used, well over 150,000 people reconnected to the network.

[@conradharcourt8263]

Great news that the fares are capped at £3.00. As a Senile Old Git who gets free bus travel I'd still pay £6.00 for a service I was reasonably certain would actually run and would take an hour or more off the round trip. I've spent far too much time standing by the side of a road, looking at a bus app and eventually getting a cab because the last bus, due around 1730(!), simply didn't run. I wish I lived in Ashington!

[@Glenn1967ful]

I think rail travel is a lot faster and more comfortable than buses. There's no congestion or roadworks to worry about, if the train is electric it's far quieter than the bus, and the seats are more comfortable.

[@conradharcourt8263]

@@Glenn1967ful I agree entirely but realistically the option is not always there. For example, I'm lucky in that my nearest station is less than three miles away, so is walkable, but the Town Centre is a mile or so beyond that so a bus is generally the only tolerable option if you actually want to shop in town, apart from dog fighting in a tonne and a half of metal and spending £5 or more to abandon it in a concrete labyrinth reeking of urine. Of course the out-of-town shopping areas are many miles from the nearest railway, of course parking is free and buses run only occasionally. Therefore, sadly I often engage full hypocrite mode and either drive or resort to Amazon!

[@andrewhotston983]

It's a bit annoying to pay loads of money to go on railtours to travel along these freight-only lines, only to have them reopened to passengers later. Maesteg, Ebbw Vale, Ashington, etc etc! Only kidding - great to see these reopenings. Hope they reopen to Newbiggin one day. Then there's Pelaw to Washington...

[@Pesmog]

Pelaw to Washington, yep that is the one they need to prioritize. Big prize to be gained there. The population of Washington has pretty much trebled since the original passenger service closed. If they could link it directly into Sunderland as well then that would be even better.

[@michaelthompson3102]

...or the Leamside, Durham line - where locals once sadly watched the lines being ripped up for weeks only to discover it was gangs theiving the track!!

[@andrewhotston983]

@@michaelthompson3102 The Leamside line is the one from Pelaw through Washington to Ferryhill.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Railtours were a lot cheaper 30 years ago! Most are at least £100-£120 now, but often still more.

[@MarkHewitt1978]

Pelaw to Washington and then connecting the Metro loop to South Hylton is the obvious one. But that is a big job, much bigger than the Northumberland line and without the large unserved population centres of the likes of Ashington and Seaton.

[@topmandog1]

8:00 OMG its TV's Tim Dunn! what a mega star to see there Geoff

[@ALTNABREAC-UNCOVERED]

How fantastic it is to see the joy on people's faces, help me to get Altnabreac station open again please. Thanks 👍 ❤

[@alangad2007]

Aw Wow Lovely Vid About The Northumberland Is Now Open Mr. Marshall

[@southcalder]

Pleased to see England joining the rest of the island in opening new lines up (or reopening as is more accurate). I just wish they weren’t diesel. But Northumberland is often a bit of a forgotten corner of the country. Especially as the main route through it, the A1, actually avoids most of the major settlements, often by a good distance. You could be forgiven for thinking there is nothing at all between Berwick and Newcastle. So bringing these folks back on to the map is absolutely the right thing.

[@joemonks936]

Geoff, Great to see the video. Good to bump into you again at the station....positive football game for me down in Southend! Love the north east content.

[@highbury1972]

Thank You Geoff! Excellent as always.

[@thenwrailfan24]

Good to have a new railway opening This is what we need in the uk as railways are safer then driving and you can see wonderful scenery! 🚈🛤️🛤️

[@driving_all_over]

Great video Geoff and as someone who has family in Ashington this is fantastic to see and long overdue I’m actually up here at the minute so will probably walk over and use it tomorrow when going into Newcastle but it’ll be weird not getting the Metro or bus in like previous visits Hopefully they do eventually open it to Newbiggin as well. Even a station at Woodhorn Roundabout would be useful in my opinion

[@geofftech2]

be great wouldn't it? looking at the map though, they'd have to the alignment back in at Central Pkway, which they probably looked at but the £cost would have been too much. Hopefully one day though ?!

[@driving_all_over]

@ Ah I forgot about Central Parkway which would be a fiddle to sort One at the roundabout could definitely work though as you’ve got that extra unused exit there from what was Summerhouse Lane

[@geordieal]

I remember going to Ashington in the 80s… I walked into a barbers and asked for a perm…. The barber said “ ah winderered lernly as a clood…”

[@neilgwynne5158]

Really sensible ticket pricing will help drive ridership I hope as well as clock face timetable. Has any passive provision for electrification been allowed? Fingers crossed...

[@Jimyjames73]

How very British - Having a Band Playing on a new Opening of a Station!!! 😉🚂🚂🚂

[@Sim0nTrains]

I was there on Sunday and it was great that so many people were using the trains. The Stations are okay but I do see the line being a success and shall return when all the other stations are open. Great Video Geoff.

[@bnwest]

I travelled especially from London to come here. Loved it! Great video, Geoff Looking forward to other vids. (Like Colindale Stn reopening ~ 20th December).

[@connorsmith1797]

Your pronunciation of the town were absolutely fine!

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

Very nice to see the newly reopened Northumberland Line now opened to passengers. Perhaps Network Rail should extend it to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and from Newsham to Blyth. Plus with 2 more new stations added at Hepscott and Choppington on the Blyth and Tyne railway line from Morpeth. But anyways it’s nice to see the Northumberland Line now opened just before Christmas.

[@jsstudios4538]

Can you do a series of non-TfL bus services in London? Maybe start off with the LondonLine 702 then the RP1 Royal Parks service in Richmond Park?

[@geofftech2]

weirdly enough, i am doing JUST that in the new year! Spoilers! a non-TfL bus, whom i'm spending the day with ... ( the RP1 is also another good shout, yes! )

[@lewis72]

158s are quality trains. Good to see them put to a new use.

[@DF-ws2xv]

Really great video showing how one of the railway lines destroyed by politicians can be rejuvenated sixty years later. Nice to see Tim Dunn there too - the enthusiam is uplifting. May more of this rejuvenation continue.

[@asac159]

I notice Tim has managed to get away from the London Underground. I reckon you lot hunt in packs. Great vid thanks. Ah he even gets lines. Do you have to pay him now?

[@JohnADoe-pg1qk]

That is a secret. 😊

[@DJGG8205]

I lived near Ashington for 25 years and if you didn't drive it was an hours' bus ride to Newcastle. This is a game changer.

[@michaellittlejohns7968]

Great video Geoff

[@BIN3RY]

Excellent news and it's been a long time coming!

[@shaunepearson8336]

Enjoyed your video on Northumberland line, had a ride on it today opening day, much better than the bus and they got destination right this time on front of train😅

[@decc0484]

wow thats fantastic, to go from no service at all to half hourly trains during the day and hourly off peak is great

[@Mystic_Mog]

So wonderful to see stations and lines coming back to life!

[@crownwizard]

Three footballers living on same street in Ashington all won Professional Footballers of the Year . Bobby and Jackie Charlton and Jimmy Adamson 😊

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for the video Geoff, it was very interesting. 💕

[@grahambennett7100]

Brilliant footage thank you

[@petercurtis3984]

Brilliant video Geoff, it’s always a pleasure to watch your work and to see a line reborn with many more new lines and stations to come. I hope the new government decide to restore many more lines and reverse some of the mistakes made in the 1960’s

[@stephenchambers5900]

Lovely video. Keep up the enthusiasm for Rail

[@alangilbertson8239]

I wasn't there today, but I'm one of a slowly decreasing band who travelled from Ashington by rail before the station closed at the end of October 1964. My last trip was a return to Newcastle on 15th October '64, a Thursday, when we were given a day off school because the school was being used as a general election polling station. (Harold Wilson won). The old station, built in red brick with a glass and wrought iron canopy over the southbound platform was a delight to look at, with a welcoming coal fire burning in the waiting room to keep travellers toasted.

[@hugh1427]

Great news but why did it take so long to reinstate passenger services on a line that was being used for freight? And why has it cost over £200 million?

[@andrewdalby1035]

12noon update on this line's first weekday - over 40 cars parked at Seaton Delaval where the 12:07 towards Ashington was about a third-full in its 2-car format & a few folk got off it with a few others getting on board.

[@Forafact-v3h]

YESSSS!!!

[@vedelcarby773]

Love the videos geoff

[@thefareplayer2254]

Northampton Station Staff: “Here we go again!”

[@MrGreatplum]

I’m very pleased to see new (or reopened) stations back on the map and integrating this line with the Newcastle metro fare system is excellent. Is the don’t used for the railway station signage different to the usual one? It looks a little “thin”…

[@rayob9131]

I was able to travel to Ashington and Seaton Delaval on Monday, 16th December. The various services I used were well loaded and there was plenty of local interest. Good to see various Northern and, I assume, NCC people at both stations who were happy to chat. There was also Father Christmas at Ashington but he said he came from Morpeth - not Lapland. Is that right?? Both stations looked well designed - level access, footpaths, cycle paths, signs galore and so on - all very functional just like others we’ve seen open in recent times such as Ashley Down, Reston, East Linton etc. As with these other stations, they are not places to hang around in weather such as we had today - strong, cold wind. Maybe that is the idea - to deter local youths using them as gathering points. The cost of reopening and time from the initial evaluation beggar belief - no wonder it takes so long to get anything done in our second rate country. So, well done to those who achieved this reopening and, importantly, who are helping to boost the local economy which has endured some hard times in recent decades. As ever, thanks for sharing your vid, Geoff.

[@robertbray2012]

Always excellent to see passanger services return to a line. Also Tim Dunn and Geoff Marshall finally together, albeit briefly.

[@allan5919]

An excellent overview of the re-opened line.

[@markblackford7271]

How good a service that is, a big thumbs up 👍

[@MargaretUK]

Always good to see a new station being opened ☺️👏 Pedantry alert - I've spotted a typo on the timetable, second train from Ashington to Seaton Delaval would be arriving at 0648 I would have thought, not 0848 👍

[@mcbain23]

Big up Morpeth massive, great to see you up here Geoffers!

[@mcbain23]

ps it’s Lyne-muth 👍

[@geofftech2]

ha ha, yes! i was worried i'd got that wrong !!!

[@philrob1978]

A great day indeed - I'm happy this has finally come to fruition, although some of the other stations on the line won't open till later in 2025. I just hope the local population use it fully - if they don't, well, we all know where that ends up. I'd definitely use it to get to Northumberland Park, once that opens, as it might shave off 10-15 mins of getting there via the Metro.

[@keeganfarrar381]

I imagine this will take less stress off the busses on match days aswell for Newcastle. Being a season ticket holder from Burnley I am astounded at how busy they get every game

[@benjaminwood3]

Can you have a look at the new Tyne and Wear metro class 555

[@TheRailwayTourManager]

Bit quieter at both stations at 06.30! Nice video as ever, with a star-studded cast!

[@baseballfan99]

Whilst in the Western area of Northern they are cancelling bucket loads of trains up to 90% on my line last Sunday.

[@Kulla1berg]

Silly question from a person living in Scandinavia, Sweden. Are there any plans to continue the traffic to either Morpeth or Widdrington on the main line to Scotland? What I can see is there no station in Blyth, but would it be possible to reopen the line down to Blyth centrum/ harbour? Also I am very impressed you saw Tim Dunn, famous for the BBC program of railway architecture.

[@LegitimateCK4120]

Part of the reopening of the Northumberland Line was to potentially expand it for passenger use to Morpeth, Newbiggin etc, however, they would be separate schemes and funding. Probably a long term thing unless Northumberland County Council want it to happen. In regards to Blyth, Blyth Bebside is the only station that will serve it, the branch line to Blyth proper could be reopened, but I'd guess that would be a long-term thing and Northumberland would rather improve connections to the Northumberland Line. Worth noting, that it would be a fun idea for Tyne and Wear Metro to explore. Interestingly, I read the 2021 Newcastle - Edinburgh future plans document from network rail (don't ask) and electrifying the Morpeth -> Bedlington line so Northern could run electric trains and use Bedlington as a siding/terminus. Meanwhile, Northumberland County Council/North East Transport Committee have proposed reopening Bedlington. If these happen, it's extremely likely the line would be extended to Morpeth simply because it would take pressure off the ECML north and allow for more LNER/Lumo services. (the former wants to introduce regular 4 hour express services from Edinburgh to London vs Newcastle and York). The only issue with all of this is the fact Bedlington is more south than Ashington, so any extensions would go to Pegswood probably

[@Kulla1berg]

@@LegitimateCK4120 Thanks for your answer

[@chuckylugs9607]

It should ‘never’ have closed in the first place. Nice to see it back again, the best thing that’s happened in the locality in my lifetime ✨ 😁

[@KorayKaragul]

Nice video Geoff. In my opinion for your next video, you should make a video about riding on the GWR's North Downs Line from Reading to either Redhill and Gatwick Airport via Guildford. And if you want to create a bus video, how about doing a video on either TfL bus route 465 which runs from Kingston to Dorking, leaving 22 miles away from London. Or do a video on TfL bus route 166 that runs from Croydon to Banstead and then to Epsom Hospital (1bph) on Mondays to Saturdays, but with no evening or Sunday service goes to Epsom Hospital.

[@davidcronan4072]

Seaton Delaval sounds like the name of an old-fashioned Shakespearean actor.

[@roderickjoyce6716]

Funny you should say that. Seaton Delaval Hall is about a mile from the station. It was designed by Vanbrugh who was a playwright as well as an architect, and the Delaval family was famous for putting on plays and other entertainments.

[@duncanetjacquelinejack4481]

Like many of the aristocracy/landed gentry in England the name was French being De Laval.

[@DavidBeddard]

An old fashioned Shakespearean actor who, in his later years, took a role in a 1970s TV sitcom that overshadowed the rest of his career, becoming all the public remembered him for.

[@andrewmcgee382]

I thought he was a West Indian cricketer.

[@MrPeach71]

Surely "Northumberland Park" will get (Tyne and Wear) added, like the two Adlingtons, and of course Portsmouth (Lancs) which closed in 1958, despite being in West Yorkshire for most of it's life.

[@WheelZ-Media]

Hi Geoff Why do new or refurbished stations not have level boarding? It’s great to see new stations being built but it is disappointing for people like myself who struggled to use trains when they have a gap and a height between the train and platform.

[@bwhugul]

The standardised platform height is 915 mm to the best of my knowledge. It would be level boarding if trains with doorway floors of that height were used, like the Stadler FLIRT trains used on Merseyrail, Greater Anglia and Transport for Wales - and, soon, the Tyne & Wear Metro. What's needed is to make 915mm boarding height compulsory for all new trains operating only within Britain. The Class 158s replacement must meet this requirement.

[@WheelZ-Media]

So basically, there is regulations for platform heights but just train manufacturers don’t follow them.

[@ianhudson2193]

​No.....its a new spec platform with a near 35 year old high floor train.....🤷‍♂️

[@Westcountrynordic]

If I'm going to be using a train with out level boarding, I always ask for assisted travel.

[@ianhudson2193]

@@dizzy2020 Why isn't there a laugh emoji on KZbin comments......

[@ravenfeeder1892]

They could have opened a week earlier! I was up there last weekend and had time on my hands on Monday, but no Ashington train. Went to Hexham instead.

[@michaelthompson3102]

You made the right decision!

[@MADS555S]

YES!

[@josephinebennington7247]

In addition, a far more important discovery (to me that is)….Haltwhistle has now had its refurbished waiting room opened, after 3, or more, years haggling over how to fix an access problem. We can now wait for Carlisle trains, protected from the wind and rain and snow, rather than in an exposed 3 sided glass aquarium.

[@iman2341]

I understand the need to build a new platfromatt Ashington, but it does feel relatively poorly integrated with the town, with no access to the east adn difficult access from the north. A footbridge would much immprove this and I can see this being included in the future, but would it not have been easier to do before the line opened!.

[@michaelthompson3102]

The new Newsham station is a bus ride away from Blyth town centre!!

[@darrylstark9259]

I'm not sure what these access issues are at Ashington as the station is in the town center. Easily accessed on foot, bike, car and of course we can't forget horse and cart. Plenty of EV charging in the car park but it lacks stables. As for the Newsham and Blyth stations... Try walking or cycling if you're physically able to. There's no need to get a bus. Today's fun fact is where I live (Newbiggin) it'll be quicker for me to walk to Ashington Train Station to get to Newcastle than catching the X21.

[@stewy62]

I’d like you return to all the new stations you have covered, say after at least six months of operation, to report on what the station looks like and how busy it seems. Passenger numbers would be great to know although I guess you might have to wait for the end of year report.

[@tomw86]

Wish I had known you would be in my part of the world!

[@nigelkthomas9501]

This is great, BUT…! It could’ve been so much better if it continued beyond Ashington round to the ECML, Pegswood and Morpeth before returning to Newcastle. Why couldn’t it have been worked as a loop service in both directions? Surely that would’ve made a lot of sense.

[@commorevpenguin9602]

integrated ticketing is sooooo good

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Brilliant result...!

[@britishmodified]

I was on it Monday. Decent enough. Even got a couple of free mince pies when I got off 😂

[@JoJo-yt1ys]

A great thing for the North. It deserves to be celebrated

[@dahorn100011]

It's great they're opening new lines. I do think it's a shame it isn't electrified.

[@gregoryclark8217]

A silver band is exactly how stations should be opened. Celebrations are definitely in order for the railway coming to town.

[@sicks6six]

I remember when it used to run and the uproar when it was announced it was to close down, I don't suppose the waiting rooms have coal fires in them like they used to.

[@macstyle2012]

Why does Ashington station have a platform number when it's the only platform? Not like you can get confused looking for platform 1

[@ianhudson2193]

It's for the railways location identification......

[@barvdw]

There are still 3 tracks, and they are numbered, so why not number the platform with the track number?

[@JRTerrier24]

Can we have an updated video on all proposed new station openings in 2025, please??

[@MsLancer99]

It makes me wonder about one or two other lines that were closed in the 60s/70s if perhaps they may reopen one day? And Geoff may be on the first person on that train.

[@mdhazeldine]

Is that the first double arrow sign of the new GBR branding? It looks very different to BR station signs of old. Not sure if that logo is the new GBR dimensions or the old BR ones on a different surround?

[@davidty2006]

Probably the new one? i personally can't tell the difference between them...

[@mdhazeldine]

@davidty2006 It's VERY minor

[@AlexanderBrassington]

I managed to get on the 3rd service today. Saw Jen