(13 Apr 2015, 2:39 pm)Malarkey wrote The only benefit of re-opening The Leamside Line is for Freight to Nissan from the ECML, Otherwise I see it as a complete waste of Money as the Cost would be huge to extend to Washington, If plans were to go ahead what affect would that have on Local Bus Services in the Area, High Frequency Services such as the X1/2/2A and 4 would likely be reduced incurring a Loss of Service as more people would likely hop on the Metro as it is Quicker than the Bus, it would be an X3 Scenario waiting to happen - Bus vs Metro = Metro Wins, then as a Result what affect does that have on those who work at Go North Easts Washington Depot, On top of that Council Tax etc would rise to therefore cover the costs.
There is a lot more to re-opening the Leamside Line than Nissan.
It instantly opens up space on the ECML and Durham Coast line as a start, gives communities left without a rail link since the closure to passengers in the 60's links to the national network, whilst offering the chance to re-invigorate those areas at the same time.
It will potentially reduce congestion and pollution on the roads too.
If the link from South Hylton is extended towards Penshaw, then with Nexus owning that section, any heavy rail accessing it, will pay a levy, which will then go into the public purse.
Network Rail viability reports/studies relating to the Leamside Line are available to view online and make interesting reading.
I think that the initial costs in rebuilding the infrastructure may be high and I am not sure about the practicalities it extending it to the Galleries, but the benefits will be felt far and wide.