(1 hour ago)col87 wrote So in that case then does the NECA have the power to say it has to be 3-4 carriages as at the moment they is usually only 2 which can already be quite full by the time it gets to Hartlepool.  An express bus service could mean a more comfortable ride.

Depends if they can get the trains really; there's a national shortage.

It's just rumours, but quite strong on the Rail UK forum, that some of the brand new trains due in the next 5 year or so are due for the North East and all the CAF Class 195's are off to Leeds.

Not sure they'll be on the Durham Coast but I'd imagine any Class 158's spare will end up on it doubled up. 

Have a feeling the new trains will end up on the Northumberland Line, Morpeth to Newcastle and Hartlepool/Saltburn - Darlington/Bishop Auckland for tick box exercises tbh.