(24 Jan 2026, 1:35 am)markydh wrote As has been discussed many times, it’s not possible to add further calls to the limited stop service and still fit around the 12-minute metro frequency between Sunderland and Pelaw, not to mention the issues of pathing said trains around Newcastle station given platform 7 is now effectively the only through platform for local services in both directions (platform 5 is generally used for Ashington services and 6 for Hexham and Carlisle (semi-fast) services (which now start from and terminate at Newcastle)). Very few Northern trains use platform 9, 10 and 11 now to minimise conflicts between Tyne Valley and ECML services.
The Ashington Line and the Durham Coast Should be Electrfied, that way the ex LNWR 350/2's could be used. I think desiros are shorter so it may not be enough extra seats than say 2x158.