HUGE DEMAND HAS LED TO NEED FOR LONGER TRAINS

EXTRA carriages will be put on for peak time train services on the new Northumberland Line after demand was significantly higher than anticipated.

- By JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

More than 700,000 passenger journeys have already been made on the railway since it reopened in December last year.

Among the busiest times for the trains are Newcastle United home fixtures, with fans flocking from south east Northumberland to Tyneside to cheer on the Magpies. The council say the rail has been a "phenomenal success", and further demand is expected from next week with Blyth Bebside’s station opening on Monday.

Northern has already put some additional carriages on the most popular services, and the rail operator will continue to monitor capacity closely in order to meet demand wherever possible. There are however some practical difficulties with meeting demand as there is a nationwide shortage of suitable carriages.