Concerns as Durham could lose almost half direct trains to Newcastle and Edinburgh
Commuters from Durham to Newcastle and Edinburgh could be affected by planned timetable changes later this year
County Durham residents and rail campaigners say they're concerned by potential cuts to North East rail services.
Commuters from Durham to Newcastle and Edinburgh could be affected by planned timetable changes - cutting the number of trains stopping in the city.
The proposals would see Durham lose almost half it's direct trains to Edinburgh, which call at Newcastle.
Around 29 weekday services currently run between Durham and Edinburgh on the East Coast Mainline, but that could reduce to just 17. The final confirmed timetable is due to be implemented from December 2025.
Earlier this year, the City of Durham Parish Council shared its “deep concerns” regarding the proposed timetable changes, saying they will significantly impact residents, businesses, and visitors by “drastically reducing” the number of direct services to key destinations such as Edinburgh and London, while also affecting critical local routes to Newcastle and beyond.
One particular service under threat is the service LNER leaving Durham at 08:22am.
Commuters travelling to and from Durham station would be particularly affected, the council warned. The current limited late-night services also make it difficult for residents to attend events in Newcastle.
The parish council pleaded to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to keep the services.
The letter added: “The removal of the 08:22 service to Newcastle, along with increased gaps between trains throughout the day, will make travel more difficult for those who rely on the railway for work, education, and essential services.
“These reductions will only exacerbate this issue and impact terribly on our residents in Durham City as well as the wider county.”
The Department for Transport said there will continue to be an hourly service from Durham to Edinburgh and alternative services will be provided.
Despite the proposed cuts, weekday services from Durham to London would increase.
LNER said the new timetable will create faster journey times between the Scottish capital, Newcastle and London, introducing 16,000 extra seats per day.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The rail industry is currently developing a new timetable for the East Coast Main Line, which is the next step in realising the benefits of years of investment on the route.
“The new timetable will be another positive step towards delivering a more modern network that works for customers, communities and business and that will ultimately result in faster journey times, grow capacity on some routes and support economic growth.
“The timetable for December 2025 is still being finalised following feedback earlier this year and we will provide an update in the summer.”