New Northumberland Line branded bus at your service
26 Feb 2024
A bus service connecting some of the key communities to the forthcoming Northumberland Line is showing its colours.
The 434 bus service provides an hourly link on Mondays to Saturdays between Bedlington Station, North Blyth, Cambois, Stakeford, Ashington, Linton and Widdrington Station.
The route was enhanced from September 2023 thanks to funding from the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) when the service changed from a limited number of off-peak journeys to a full hourly service that runs from 7am to 7pm.
It serves three railway stations, including Bedlington and Ashington on the soon to be opened Northumberland Line as well as Widdrington, on the East Coast Main Line.
The service has been branded as the “Northumberland Line Connection” as the 434 provides the link from communities such as North Blyth and Cambois to connect with Northumberland Line trains - with an enhanced timetable to improve connectivity for local residents.
Cllr Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities, said: “Each month sees us get closer to the launch of the Northumberland Line and the transformation for transport for the area this will bring.
“Bringing back passenger services will improve accessibility to employment, training and leisure for residents in south east Northumberland, as well as opening up new opportunities for education and travel.
“Throughout this programme a key factor has been to ensure the Line also complements other transport options and ensuring links are in place whether that’s bus services, the Metro, or walking and cycling routes.
“We’re sure this bus service will be well used by the communities it serves and we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers when the Line opens from later this year.”
County Councillor Caroline Ball, Member for Ashington Central, added: “We know people are keen to have the line open and start using the service, and it’s good to see other parts of the infrastructure and services starting to take shape.”
Fares on the route are a maximum of £2 single for adults and £1 single for U22s. OAP/Disabled concessionary bus passes are also valid during their usual time periods.
As well as the external branding of the vehicles, the buses have been branded internally to highlight the destinations available on the Northumberland Line as well as connecting to the National Rail network in Newcastle.
More on the Northumberland Line is available at www.northumberlandline.uk