Track access applications for the May 2018 timetable change have been submitted. Major changes in the North East include: -

* Extension of Hexham terminators to Carlisle. The service pattern will now (mostly) be Carlisle - Middlesbrough and Carlisle to Morpeth.

* More weekday evening services on the Morpeth - Metrocentre and Newcastle - Middlesbrough routes.

* Extension of some Whitby services to Newcastle and Carlisle.