(04 May 2022, 8:57 pm)Andreos1 wrote Suppose that's the balance. 
Do you have intermediate stops that are going to slow journeys down or a faster line, to improve journey times?
But, would an integrated network (including ticketing) help fill those gaps?
Buses in to places like Hartlepool, Horden and Seaham - connecting with trains should be a reality - not a crazy vision or unrealistic expectation. 

Not sure what the current signalling situation is on the entire line (think it's still semiphore for chunks around Norton), but I agree the line speed needs to improve.

Don't see why they'd need to lose much time if they improved some of it, can't see why it couldn't be 70 mph with upgrades it's not particularly windy.

The big question though if those stations were built and it pushed passengers up to be able to cope with 3 TPH, like the Tyne Valley line, is a slower 3 TPH service better than a slightly faster 1 TPH (I know personally what I'd prefer).

That said Newcastle -> Stockton / Middlesbrough traffic should really be going via Stillington anyway giving a link to Durham in the process, throw in Chester Le Street aswell and give TPE the quicker service, wins all around really plus you could open a station for Ferry Hill acting as a parkway for Sedgefield, Spennymoor etc. Ignoring path issues.