(09 Sep 2023, 10:09 pm)solsburian wrote They need to either sort it out or pull out. It is that simple tbh. 

Given the issues with other recent new stations (i.e. a "large catchment" station with huge car parks that they expect everyone to drive to) I think the Northumberland Line will be a flip of a coin in terms of meeting the planners' and authorities' expectations. Heaton has a allocation of extra rust bucket Class 156s for the service, which are rather underwhelming now in terms of performance, noise and comfort these days.

aye totally agreed, I don't know why but I have a feeling it'll do better than some expect personally especially considering the Tyne Bridge works will be starting at the same time roughly which will cause an absolute mess, having the choice of using a train / Metro to miss all the crap could be popular I think.

I'd take the Class 156 over an 57 Plate Enviro 400 or Solo though