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Bedlington Moves Backwards

https://www.senrug.co.uk/blog/index.php/...backwards/

(31 Jul 2024, 4:28 pm)citaro5284 wrote Bedlington Moves Backwards

https://www.senrug.co.uk/blog/index.php/...backwards/

Shock. 

Less than 2 months now to meet the 'summer 2024' promise for the rest of the route, and with no announcement of date (and no route learning yet AFAIK?) it seems increasingly unlikely.

Bedlington was moving towards Ashington, but it has somehow ended up near Seaton Delaval.

(31 Jul 2024, 5:31 pm)PH - BQA wrote Shock. 

Less than 2 months now to meet the 'summer 2024' promise for the rest of the route, and with no announcement of date (and no route learning yet AFAIK?) it seems increasingly unlikely.

September is the date that's been thrown around lately for the opening. The new bridge at Newsham is what's delaying the driver training though, as the level crossing needs to be shut before they can reopen the line since it's not compatable with the new signalling (for obvious reasons).

There's paths booked for next monday though (bridge opens tomorrow) - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/...59?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=NT

Whether it happens, who knows.

(31 Jul 2024, 7:43 pm)Storx wrote September is the date that's been thrown around lately for the opening. The new bridge at Newsham is what's delaying the driver training though, as the level crossing needs to be shut before they can reopen the line since it's not compatable with the new signalling (for obvious reasons).

There's paths booked for next monday though (bridge opens tomorrow) - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/...59?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=NT

Whether it happens, who knows.

Will it be that quick though? You'd assume the old road will need properly blocking off prior to trains being allowed through. 

If it's anything to go by, the Borders Railway (which is around 40% longer than this) had 12 weeks of driver training. I'd imagine this may need slightly less time, but I do think the continued absence of a firm opening date is telling. 

You're going to need to announce this ahead of time, and time is ticking.

(31 Jul 2024, 8:07 pm)PH - BQA wrote Will it be that quick though? You'd assume the old road will need properly blocking off prior to trains being allowed through. 

If it's anything to go by, the Borders Railway (which is around 40% longer than this) had 12 weeks of driver training. I'd imagine this may need slightly less time, but I do think the continued absence of a firm opening date is telling. 

You're going to need to announce this ahead of time, and time is ticking.

Can't imagine it'll take too long for the road, assume they'll just rip it up straight away and throw the new tracks down with the roads curtailed at both sides. They're quite impressive Network Rail when you watch some of the Geoff Marshall stuff on site, when they actually want to do stuff. Can't see it being too hard work tbh as it's all closed off from the public.

If they start on Monday, they've got 8 weeks for the driver training, assume it might be a bit quicker though as the line isn't new so you won't have all the hoops of testing a new link per say so it'll just be route familisation rather than training as I assume they're already being trained up elsewhere? I'm not sure on that though.

It's going to be tight though mind, agreed there. I do, for some reason, think they'll get it open though.

Mind speaking of new stations Northumberland Park seems as badly delayed, the last time I went through there on the Metro they've done pretty much nothing above the ground.

I was waiting at Northumberland Park on 20th July and there were diggers busy on the new station. They seemed to widening and flattening the platform. I can’t say I would be too happy if I lived in one of the new apartments above the platform.

(01 Aug 2024, 8:05 am)RMF1254 wrote I was waiting at Northumberland Park on 20th July and there were diggers busy on the new station. They seemed to widening and flattening the platform. I can’t say I would be too happy if I lived in one of the new apartments above the platform.

Must've started then, last time I went through it was just tree cutting and not an awful lot more (believe they were filling in old mine workings). 

Mind those apartments aren't very new anymore they've been there for over 20 year nearly. How time flies tbh.

Worse if they’re not new, as there was probably no plan for an interchange station then.

Northumberland Line now set for opening in December, but hopefully sooner. 

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2024/Aug/Major-milestones-reached-as-rail-scheme-nears-fina.aspx?utm_source=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FH%20App&utm_content=ap_mqfmfy4q5k

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8ek31jryeko

An update on the line and which station will be served ahead of December opening.

Announced today that the line will open on 15 Dec

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2...rce=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=&utm_content=ap_rftp6iwsra&fbclid=IwY2xjawG6lYdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZBK6izYegjeyCEgotXMOstCtCxgYwt_DSm4pWHcf-DFp338pcF0h4wzPw_aem_GjYf8StARjCZq3aG8rk6dg

(02 Dec 2024, 1:30 pm)citaro5284 wrote Announced today that the line will open on 15 Dec

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2...rce=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=&utm_content=ap_rftp6iwsra&fbclid=IwY2xjawG6lYdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZBK6izYegjeyCEgotXMOstCtCxgYwt_DSm4pWHcf-DFp338pcF0h4wzPw_aem_GjYf8StARjCZq3aG8rk6dg

How long till we get the

"Due to shortage of staff the following trains will not run" page headline

So idk where is best to ask this

But will the Day Saver £6.80 & Explorer be valid on the Northern trian to Ashington. Cause if they are intergrade it with the metro u would think you can use it but nothing has been mentioned at all about it

Well had an email back

The answer is

No

This has to be the most stupid idea in history the fact they won't allow these tickets on thr train. Think of people who own these tickets for weeks and will chose to use the train to Ashington for quicker times can't now due to them not being allowed

(02 Dec 2024, 4:23 pm)Aaron21 wrote Well had an email back

The answer is

No

This has to be the most stupid idea in history the fact they won't allow these tickets on thr train. Think of people who own these tickets for weeks and will chose to use the train to Ashington for quicker times can't now due to them not being allowed

You can however use a POP Pay as You Go card, and it'll cap the fare at an integrated rate with the Metro. Between Blyth and Newcastle, that's a £5 daily cap. Up to Ashington is £6.20. That in itself is exceptionally good value for money, when you compare the journey time that you're saving versus bus.

I think longer term, it'll be an integration with buses, but it's not that easy as things stand at the minute. I believe they'd need to seek agreement from all other parties in the multi-modal ticket scheme (GNE, Arriva and Stagecoach). Once the buses are under public control, that should be easier to deliver.

(02 Dec 2024, 2:09 pm)Aaron21 wrote How long till we get the

"Due to shortage of staff the following trains will not run" page headline

Nah, the current favourite line to use is "due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time" seems like every other day there's cancellations on the Durham Coast Line services.

Travelled on the 1153 journey to Ashington and back (1236 return) today and the service was well used with at least one family being left in Ashington due to no spaces being available for the pushchair they had.

Tickets were checked on the way there, but on the way back the conductor seemingly gave up due to the amount of people boarding at Seaton Delaval. The car-park at Delaval seemed to be pretty full too.

Obviously, there's a bit of intrigue will this being the first day of service, but it's a promising start.

(15 Dec 2024, 5:01 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Travelled on the 1153 journey to Ashington and back (1236 return)  today and the service was well used with at least one family being left in Ashington due to no spaces being available for the pushchair they had.

Tickets were checked on the way there, but on the way back the conductor seemingly gave up due to the amount of people boarding at Seaton Delaval. The car-park at Delaval seemed to be pretty full too.

Obviously, there's a bit of intrigue will this being the first day of service, but it's a promising start.

Wonder what the loadings were like today on the X21/X22?

(15 Dec 2024, 5:03 pm)L469 YVK wrote Wonder what the loadings were like today on the X21/X22?

I reckon at least three people and a pushchair boarded a service at Ashington at around 1240.

Strictly speaking, as it crosses the Coast Road, it could be classed as a Coast Road service too, so I'm expecting some suggestions from you for some new extension serving Hadrian Park, and for the last service of the day to be retimed to operate either 5 minutes early or later.

(15 Dec 2024, 5:01 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Travelled on the 1153 journey to Ashington and back (1236 return)  today and the service was well used with at least one family being left in Ashington due to no spaces being available for the pushchair they had.

Tickets were checked on the way there, but on the way back the conductor seemingly gave up due to the amount of people boarding at Seaton Delaval. The car-park at Delaval seemed to be pretty full too.

Obviously, there's a bit of intrigue will this being the first day of service, but it's a promising start.

It was good to see it so well used, and perhaps the foresight of having the units doubled up today. I wonder if that'll remain the case?

It's a decent route and I think it'll prove an attractive option for commuters. Especially the size of the car park at Seaton Delaval (which is free) and the one at Newsham when it opens. I assume the others will have similar, and of course Northumberland Park already has the multistory.

If it takes off for commuters, I can see it being really busy at peaks, but it'll likely kill the X21/X22 loadings. I guess that is progression though.

I noticed Newsham had a bus turning and stop stationed right outside just off the platform. I assume others have the same. Is anything planned to serve this on opening?

(15 Dec 2024, 5:07 pm)Adrian wrote If it takes off for commuters, I can see it being really busy at peaks, but it'll likely kill the X21/X22 loadings. I guess that is progression though.

I noticed Newsham had a bus turning and stop stationed right outside just off the platform. I assume others have the same. Is anything planned to serve this on opening?

See.....I'm hearing opposite. We've just got a new apprentice who lives in Ashington, and lives a good 15 minute walk away from the station so will still be using the X21.

I think the Train will take off the buses if people switch for more convenient travel patterns (i.e needing Metro south of Tyne etc) or working deeper into the City / Quayside. If anything, the train will most likely attract current car users than poach bus users, at least for Ashington & Bedlington Station.

Arriva must share the same view if they've decided to restore the 20 minute frequency on the X21/X22. If anything.....Arriva would be better going from doubles to singles rather than reducing frequency if demand dropped.

(15 Dec 2024, 6:42 pm)L469 YVK wrote See.....I'm hearing opposite. We've just got a new apprentice who lives in Ashington, and lives a good 15 minute walk away from the station so will still be using the X21.

I think the Train will take off the buses if people switch for more convenient travel patterns (i.e needing Metro south of Tyne etc) or working deeper into the City / Quayside. If anything, the train will most likely attract current car users than poach bus users, at least for Ashington & Bedlington Station.

Arriva must share the same view if they've decided to restore the 20 minute frequency on the X21/X22. If anything.....Arriva would be better going from doubles to singles rather than reducing frequency if demand dropped.

Obviously, I don't know where you work, but presuming you work somewhere within the city centre of Newcastle, even with a 15 minute walk to Ashington station, it's still going to be just as quick to use the train as it would be to catch the X21 (which may be delayed further due to traffic/being stuck at level crossings etc.). 

I think where the X21 will be able to retain patronage is through weekly/monthly/annual passes. On a daily fare, the cost between the two is negligible. People will probably choose the slightly more expensive but quicker option as a result. However, unless the Northumberland Line already has a season ticket option available, it might prove to be more cost effective to use the X21 (or X20/X22 - as the case may be). 

Time will tell though.

(15 Dec 2024, 7:21 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Obviously, I don't know where you work, but presuming you work somewhere within the city centre of Newcastle, even with a 15 minute walk to Ashington station, it's still going to be just as quick to use the train as it would be to catch the X21 (which may be delayed further due to traffic/being stuck at level crossings etc.). 

I think where the X21 will be able to retain patronage is through weekly/monthly/annual passes. On a daily fare, the cost between the two is negligible. People will probably choose the slightly more expensive but quicker option as a result. However, unless the Northumberland Line already has a season ticket option available, it might prove to be more cost effective to use the X21 (or X20/X22 - as the case may be). 

Time will tell though.

The bus is more expensive than the trains comparing season tickets like for like especially at Blyth and Seaton Delaval.

Ashington / Bedlington Station to Newcastle (Train / Pop / Bus)
Daily: £6* / £6.20 / £5*
Weekly: £24 / £30 / £31.50
Monthly: £92.20 / £105 / £112
Yearly: £960 / £985 / £1120

Blyth / Seaton Delaval to Newcastle (Train / Pop / Bus)
Day: £4.80* / £5 / £5*
Weekly: £19.20 / £25.50 / £31.50
Monthly: £73.80 / £94 / £112
Yearly: £768 / £864 / £1120 

That's the fares.

(15 Dec 2024, 8:27 pm)Storx wrote The bus is more expensive than the trains comparing season tickets like for like especially at Blyth and Seaton Delaval.

Ashington / Bedlington Station to Newcastle (Train / Pop / Bus)
Daily: £6* / £6.20 / £5*
Weekly: £24 / £30 / £31.50
Monthly: £92.20 / £105 / £112
Yearly: £960 / £985 / £1120

Blyth / Seaton Delaval to Newcastle (Train / Pop / Bus)
Day: £4.80* / £5 / £5*
Weekly: £19.20 / £25.50 / £31.50
Monthly: £73.80 / £94 / £112
Yearly: £768 / £864 / £1120 

That's the fares.

If I lived in either Ashington or Blyth and had a daily commute using public transport into Newcastle, then that's me sold on the train, unless I was frequently using the bus to make other journeys. It's a no-brainer really!

Only criticism of the new train though.......why no service ex Newcastle after 11pm especially on a Friday & Saturday?

(15 Dec 2024, 9:21 pm)L469 YVK wrote Only criticism of the new train though.......why no service ex Newcastle after 11pm especially on a Friday & Saturday?

Yes!!!

I knew you wouldn't let me down, kidda.

Hypothetical question here!

If we lived in a world of no mandatory DDA and had the choice, what would people pick

X21 running it's "old" route via Hartford Road, using F*** JTY / M*** HPF / M*** FTY / P*** CCU

Or the train

Discuss 

(15 Dec 2024, 9:53 pm)L469 YVK wrote Hypothetical question here!

If we lived in a world of no mandatory DDA and had the choice, what would people pick

X21 running it's "old" route via Hartford Road, using F*** JTY / M*** HPF / M*** FTY / P*** CCU

Or the train

Discuss 

Do these buses have wings or contain the same 'congestion busting' technology as erroneously promised by Martijn Gilbert on the back of many of the X-Line services?

If not, then I really don't see what difference it make, hypothetically or not.