Since the line reopened last December, reconnecting south east Northumberland with Tyneside for the first time since the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, more than 700,000 passenger journeys have been made, far more than originally forecast.
00:00Since the line reopened last December, reconnecting south-east Northumberland with Tyneside for the first time since the beaching cuts of the 1960s,
00:10more than 700,000 passenger journeys have been made, far more than originally forecast.
00:16Peak times have proved particularly busy, especially on Newcastle United home match days,
00:21and with the opening of Blythe Bedside station, it's expected to push demand even higher.
00:26In response, extra carriages are being added to the most popular services.
00:31Rail operator Norvin says it's closely monitoring capacity, but warns there are practical limits due to a nationwide shortage of suitable carriages.
00:40Council leader Glenn Sanderson called the line a phenomenal success, highlighting its role in cutting road traffic and carbon emissions.
00:48But with demand outstripping early projections, ensuring the line keeps pace with growth will be a key challenge.
00:53Meanwhile, Ashton Station, which reopened last year after a 60-year break, has been crowned the UK's most life-changing station, winning the World Cup of Stations.
01:04Organised by the Rail Delivery Group, the competition saw over 330 stations nominated, with 20 finalists battling it out in a public vote.
01:12More than 24,000 votes were cast over five days, with Ashton praised for its remarkable comeback story.
01:19The two remaining stations, Bedland Inn and Northumberland Park, are set to open next year, following an extra £37.9 million investment to overcome engineering challenges.
01:29Councillor Sanderson says the project's success has surpassed all expectations, and as the millionth passenger milestone approaches, the Northumberland Line is not just a transport upgrade, but a catalyst for regional pride in regeneration.
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