(25 Nov 2014, 12:51 pm)Scott wrote There may be benifits in electrification on the Carlisle to Hexham section, as electric trains can acclerate quicker, achieve higher speeds, and therefore reduce jouney times.

However, between Newcastle and Hexham there is little point, as the stops are close together, so the train will have to stop as soon as it has started, therefore reducing the benifit of faster trains.

Better diesel trains such as class 170s instead of the 142s and 156s may help, and may be more cost effective. These have they adavantage in that newer diesels can borrowed on a trail basis, and things can revert back after if there is little or no improvement.