New bus link could help ease traffic congestion at tourist hotspots on Northumberland coast - councillor
Last updated 28th Aug 2024
It's hoped the launch of a new bus service linking coastal communities in Northumberland with the East Coast Main Line could help reduce traffic congestion in tourist hotspots like Bamburgh and Seahouses.
The 918 - which will be operated by Borders Buses - is timed to connect with Northern Rail services at Chathill.
The six-day a week service, which takes around 40 minutes, will officially start on Sunday (September 1st).
Welcoming the announcement, local councillor Guy Renner-Thompson told Greatest Hits Radio: "This is the first time in years we've had a bus connection to the train. It will make travelling to work, school or college so much easier for people on the coast, and we can get the tourists in by train, instead of clogging up our villages with cars."
And he added: "What I really want to keep working towards is the reopening of Belford station. It's bang in the middle of Alnwick and Berwick, it would serve a huge rural area. We get hundreds of thousands of visitors to North Northumberland every year that could use that station."
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Single fares are capped at £2 for adults and £1 for under 22s. For those looking to explore the area, day tickets are available at £6.80 for adults and £3 for under 22s.
Meanwhile, the existing X16 service, currently operated by Arriva North East between Newcastle and Morpeth, is being extended to include Wooler, Coldstream, and Kelso.
The new routes improve connections between the Metro Centre, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
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Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member with responsibility for public transport, said: “It is great news we’re getting more improved bus services in our county.
“These enhancements are made possible through additional funding from the Bus Service Improvement Plan, ensuring that passengers across both routes can continue to benefit from affordable and reliable transport options in Northumberland.”
John Holwell, Chairman of Chathill Rail Action Group, added: "It's great news that the County Council is supporting Chathill Station by bringing in this bus service that will connect surrounding villages to the two trains a day.
“We will continue to campaign for more services to the station, so locals and visitors have proper rail access on the Northumberland Coast".
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