(30 Jan 2024, 2:51 pm)Storx wrote Long bump there, but don't see why they couldn't run the peak extras, non stop a few stations. As long as it doesn't catch up the train in front there's always 10 mins or so it could effectively 'catch' up the train in front. It was more about distributing the loads, more so than anything, than having the current problem where the peak train 2 minutes in front is slammed and the normal train is delayed sitting behind the peak train.Washington is the only feasible route, Penshaw, Washington South and Wardley are very good opportunities to grow. Heavy Rail would serve nowhere bar Ferryhill after Washington South, Stillington is not worth the expense of a station. If there was demand between Stockton and Ferryhill, Arriva would run something.
Mind I still, and always will, think the South Hylton to Pelaw via fields and the outskirts of Washington is a monumental waste of money and time. I'd rather focus on getting a national rail service all the way through to Ferryhill instead personally. There's no sensible journeys, no-one from Sunderland wants to be on the outskirts of Washington and by the time most people travel to the outskirts of Washington on a bus, they might aswell stay on the same bus to Sunderland since the Metro goes around the world.
Rail in the North East is a complete foreign idea to the Tyne and Wear councils though.
The region has been reliant on buses and personal transport largely since the early to mod sixties. My generation and the next had only arterial rail access. It is too late to try and develop South Durham for rail. The South Tyneside & Wearside loop makes sense for many reasons, one being greater utilisation of trains, and Wardley is a major player now, Metros each way would be ideal for Amazon workers.