Blyth & Tyne Line
Blyth & Tyne Line
(12 Apr 2023, 2:16 pm)Rob44 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-65243820
bridge tripled in cost
(12 Apr 2023, 2:16 pm)Rob44 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-65243820
bridge tripled in cost
(12 Apr 2023, 10:14 pm)mb134 *pretends to be shocked*
Has anything (stations, car parks, related infrastructure) actually been built for this yet? August 2024 seems awfully ambitious given things like bridges still don't have funding.
(12 Apr 2023, 10:14 pm)mb134 *pretends to be shocked*
Has anything (stations, car parks, related infrastructure) actually been built for this yet? August 2024 seems awfully ambitious given things like bridges still don't have funding.
(12 Apr 2023, 10:14 pm)mb134 *pretends to be shocked*
Has anything (stations, car parks, related infrastructure) actually been built for this yet? August 2024 seems awfully ambitious given things like bridges still don't have funding.
(12 Apr 2023, 10:14 pm)mb134 *pretends to be shocked*
Has anything (stations, car parks, related infrastructure) actually been built for this yet? August 2024 seems awfully ambitious given things like bridges still don't have funding.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor...t-28214580
Delays to the opening of Bebside and Bedlington Station.
Just waiting for the inevitable delay of the whole thing now.
(01 Dec 2023, 8:08 pm)mb134 https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor...t-28214580
Delays to the opening of Bebside and Bedlington Station.
Just waiting for the inevitable delay of the whole thing now.
(01 Dec 2023, 8:08 pm)mb134 https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor...t-28214580
Delays to the opening of Bebside and Bedlington Station.
Just waiting for the inevitable delay of the whole thing now.
(11 Jan 2024, 12:28 pm)Andreos1 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmjr...ium=social&at_format=link&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_link_id=2612CB96-B079-11EE-8485-CD2D8161DE7E&at_link_type=web_link&at_link_origin=BBC_Radio_Newcastle&at_campaign_type=owned&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&fbclid=IwAR2j081AiJfC758PXKYGDG8rmK_EXVIMNqC-cDMoSFWkBdB-PRqaEa28KIc
It's been confirmed that there's more delays
(11 Jan 2024, 12:28 pm)Andreos1 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmjr...ium=social&at_format=link&at_campaign=Social_Flow&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_link_id=2612CB96-B079-11EE-8485-CD2D8161DE7E&at_link_type=web_link&at_link_origin=BBC_Radio_Newcastle&at_campaign_type=owned&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&fbclid=IwAR2j081AiJfC758PXKYGDG8rmK_EXVIMNqC-cDMoSFWkBdB-PRqaEa28KIc
It's been confirmed that there's more delays
Appears there's another date been announced for this again today. The dates are now:
Ashington, Newsham, Seaton Delaval - Summer 2024
Bedlington, Bebside, Northumberland Park - Unknown, possibly 2025
https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/...ms-4480863
The timetable for this has been released (unofficially this morning via realtraintimes). The times are
Ashington -> Newcastle
Ashington (00/30)
Bedlington (05/35)
Bebside (08/38)
Newsham (12/42)
Seaton Delaval (17/47)
Northumberland Park (24/54)
Manors (Periodic)
Newcastle (37/07)
Newcastle -> Ashington
Newcastle (47/17 (or thereabouts))
Manors (Perodic)
Northumberland Park (01/31)
Seaton Delaval (07/37)
Newsham (12/42)
Bebside (16/46)
Bedlington (19/49)
Ashington (24/54)
Every 30 minutes until approx 8pm, then hourly until:
Last train out of Newcastle: 22:16
Last train out of Ashington: 23:00
(20 Feb 2024, 1:24 pm)Storx The timetable for this has been released (unofficially this morning via realtraintimes). The times are
Ashington -> Newcastle
Ashington (00/30)
Bedlington (05/35)
Bebside (08/38)
Newsham (12/42)
Seaton Delaval (17/47)
Northumberland Park (24/54)
Manors (Periodic)
Newcastle (37/07)
Newcastle -> Ashington
Newcastle (47/17 (or thereabouts))
Manors (Perodic)
Northumberland Park (01/31)
Seaton Delaval (07/37)
Newsham (12/42)
Bebside (16/46)
Bedlington (19/49)
Ashington (24/54)
Every 30 minutes until approx 8pm, then hourly until:
Last train out of Newcastle: 22:16
Last train out of Ashington: 23:00
(20 Feb 2024, 1:24 pm)Storx The timetable for this has been released (unofficially this morning via realtraintimes). The times are
Ashington -> Newcastle
Ashington (00/30)
Bedlington (05/35)
Bebside (08/38)
Newsham (12/42)
Seaton Delaval (17/47)
Northumberland Park (24/54)
Manors (Periodic)
Newcastle (37/07)
Newcastle -> Ashington
Newcastle (47/17 (or thereabouts))
Manors (Perodic)
Northumberland Park (01/31)
Seaton Delaval (07/37)
Newsham (12/42)
Bebside (16/46)
Bedlington (19/49)
Ashington (24/54)
Every 30 minutes until approx 8pm, then hourly until:
Last train out of Newcastle: 22:16
Last train out of Ashington: 23:00
(20 Feb 2024, 1:37 pm)mb134 37 minutes from Ashington to Newcastle seems very slow, especially when the X20 does it in 45.
I imagine that'll be the case for most people given the timings, since a bus stop will likely be closer to their door than the badly positioned train stations.
The last train being 22:16 is far too early too.
There's also not a huge amount of time at Ashington for when things inevitably go wrong and delays happen.
(20 Feb 2024, 1:37 pm)mb134 37 minutes from Ashington to Newcastle seems very slow, especially when the X20 does it in 45.
I imagine that'll be the case for most people given the timings, since a bus stop will likely be closer to their door than the badly positioned train stations.
The last train being 22:16 is far too early too.
There's also not a huge amount of time at Ashington for when things inevitably go wrong and delays happen.
(20 Feb 2024, 2:33 pm)Storx Depends where you're going though, not to mention if a train says it takes 37 minutes, it very likely will, unlike buses. Have to remember the X20, is nowhere near the train station and it's more the X22 passengers, who could very likely be getting single deckers with standing loads in a few months time, which takes well over an hour at peak times. Remember Hexham used to have the X84/X85 which were similar, but they made no impact on the trains and died.
It's the same for the other stations especially the two Blyth ones and Seaton Delaval, which rely on the X7/X8/X9 which are complete shambles, as an understatement.
Haymarket / Central Station are both out of the way in Newcastle really, so that depends which end you're going to there.
Agree the last train is a bit early though mind but pricing will be the main killer if it's not integrated.
(20 Feb 2024, 2:33 pm)Storx Depends where you're going though, not to mention if a train says it takes 37 minutes, it very likely will, unlike buses. Have to remember the X20, is nowhere near the train station and it's more the X22 passengers, who could very likely be getting single deckers with standing loads in a few months time, which takes well over an hour at peak times. Remember Hexham used to have the X84/X85 which were similar, but they made no impact on the trains and died.
It's the same for the other stations especially the two Blyth ones and Seaton Delaval, which rely on the X7/X8/X9 which are complete shambles, as an understatement.
Haymarket / Central Station are both out of the way in Newcastle really, so that depends which end you're going to there.
Agree the last train is a bit early though mind but pricing will be the main killer if it's not integrated.
(20 Feb 2024, 2:49 pm)mb134 I'm not too sure, some of the timings look very tight and obviously it's all coordinated at the Newcastle end to ensure no disruption to the ECML services which will 100% get priority. There is at least one train (1148 ex Newcastle) which is timed to stop at Benton to allow something to pass, but has no time to actually do so.
Even in your example of the X22 the main area of housing there is around Fallowfield, which is a 15+ minute walk to the train station. So you're already looking at it being nearly one hour into Central on a train which is less frequent and a hefty walk in the rain (we're in England after all).
To be fair to Haymarket (and Eldon Square), it's right next to the universities, main shopping street/centre, council offices, and RVI just as some examples.
(20 Feb 2024, 2:49 pm)mb134 I'm not too sure, some of the timings look very tight and obviously it's all coordinated at the Newcastle end to ensure no disruption to the ECML services which will 100% get priority. There is at least one train (1148 ex Newcastle) which is timed to stop at Benton to allow something to pass, but has no time to actually do so.
Even in your example of the X22 the main area of housing there is around Fallowfield, which is a 15+ minute walk to the train station. So you're already looking at it being nearly one hour into Central on a train which is less frequent and a hefty walk in the rain (we're in England after all).
To be fair to Haymarket (and Eldon Square), it's right next to the universities, main shopping street/centre, council offices, and RVI just as some examples.
(20 Feb 2024, 2:49 pm)mb134 I'm not too sure, some of the timings look very tight and obviously it's all coordinated at the Newcastle end to ensure no disruption to the ECML services which will 100% get priority. There is at least one train (1148 ex Newcastle) which is timed to stop at Benton to allow something to pass, but has no time to actually do so.
Even in your example of the X22 the main area of housing there is around Fallowfield, which is a 15+ minute walk to the train station. So you're already looking at it being nearly one hour into Central on a train which is less frequent and a hefty walk in the rain (we're in England after all).
To be fair to Haymarket (and Eldon Square), it's right next to the universities, main shopping street/centre, council offices, and RVI just as some examples.
(20 Feb 2024, 2:49 pm)mb134 I'm not too sure, some of the timings look very tight and obviously it's all coordinated at the Newcastle end to ensure no disruption to the ECML services which will 100% get priority. There is at least one train (1148 ex Newcastle) which is timed to stop at Benton to allow something to pass, but has no time to actually do so.
Even in your example of the X22 the main area of housing there is around Fallowfield, which is a 15+ minute walk to the train station. So you're already looking at it being nearly one hour into Central on a train which is less frequent and a hefty walk in the rain (we're in England after all).
To be fair to Haymarket (and Eldon Square), it's right next to the universities, main shopping street/centre, council offices, and RVI just as some examples.
(20 Feb 2024, 4:14 pm)Andreos1 Assuming they've done their research and business case planning, there must be a big chunk that aren't travelling to/from that part of town.
Enough to justify spending millions on a new line at least.
(20 Feb 2024, 4:14 pm)Andreos1 Assuming they've done their research and business case planning, there must be a big chunk that aren't travelling to/from that part of town.
Enough to justify spending millions on a new line at least.
(20 Feb 2024, 3:52 pm)Storx Aye guess, it depends how much padding it has. 12 minutes from Northumberland Park seems quite a long time so feels like there's some fitted in there. That's all unknown though, plenty other places where they seem to work in harmony. Mind the fact that they must be Class 158's will help though with their faster acceleration etc and will keep up with the express services anyway - don't believe it's anywhere near 125mph along that stretch anyway.
The bigger point it though, is though if you started work at 8am, getting the train in at 7.36 (leaves Ashington at 7am), would be a pretty safe bet, using the same bus you'd be looking at 06.09 which get's in at 07:15 as getting a bus in at 07:45 is just too risky. Gap starts to widen a bit then, even with the 15 minute walk.
(20 Feb 2024, 3:52 pm)Storx Aye guess, it depends how much padding it has. 12 minutes from Northumberland Park seems quite a long time so feels like there's some fitted in there. That's all unknown though, plenty other places where they seem to work in harmony. Mind the fact that they must be Class 158's will help though with their faster acceleration etc and will keep up with the express services anyway - don't believe it's anywhere near 125mph along that stretch anyway.
The bigger point it though, is though if you started work at 8am, getting the train in at 7.36 (leaves Ashington at 7am), would be a pretty safe bet, using the same bus you'd be looking at 06.09 which get's in at 07:15 as getting a bus in at 07:45 is just too risky. Gap starts to widen a bit then, even with the 15 minute walk.
(21 Feb 2024, 11:23 am)mb134 There are multiple posts on the RailUK forums stating that the timetable is very tight, and testing has taken place to see how much time can be saved. Doesn't scream out as a robust timetable, especially given they're sharing the track with freight traffic and the multiple single track sections.
On the bus thing, that 07:45 arrival into town has been bang on time into town for each day I checked over the past 2 weeks. From experience of using the Arriva Ashington services into town in the peaks, there's time added to ensure they arrive into Haymarket close to/at their scheduled time. Yes the bus might not turn up, but similarly we're more than accustomed to trains not turning up in this country.
(21 Feb 2024, 11:23 am)mb134 There are multiple posts on the RailUK forums stating that the timetable is very tight, and testing has taken place to see how much time can be saved. Doesn't scream out as a robust timetable, especially given they're sharing the track with freight traffic and the multiple single track sections.
On the bus thing, that 07:45 arrival into town has been bang on time into town for each day I checked over the past 2 weeks. From experience of using the Arriva Ashington services into town in the peaks, there's time added to ensure they arrive into Haymarket close to/at their scheduled time. Yes the bus might not turn up, but similarly we're more than accustomed to trains not turning up in this country.
If anything, it will be the X21 that will take the hit when Bedlington Station opens, not forgetting customers in Newbiggin who will most like take the X21/35 into Ashington then the train the rest of the way.
X20 on paper could take a hit, I'd probably say more so at the peak times given the fact the train will actually take 37 minutes and not risk getting stuck in traffic. On an unrelated note, could possibly allow the X93/X94 to finally get sorted if the X20 only warrants single decks as a result.
Worst case for the X21/X22, they'll go down to every 30 mins.
Nobody knows what will happen at the moment, we will only find out when the line opens. I hope it’s an outstanding success considering the amount of money being spent. I would like to think a lot of motorists will convert to the train which will help with congestion. I’m not sure you will get many people catching a bus to Ashington bus station then walking to the station to catch a train, unless an interchange is being built. Then people will consider where they want to be in Newcastle, Haymarket or Central?
Reducing bus services will not help passengers travelling locally in Ashington or even those catching a train to Ashington then missing their onward bus. It will be an interesting time when it opens.
I travelled on the Okehampton to Exeter line last year and was very impressed. All trains were busy, however I’m not sure what the buses to Exeter were like before that and all dedicated connecting minibuses from the station didn’t seem to carry many people.
