New and extended bus services set to start in Northumberland

A new 918 service which connects the communities of Belford, Seahouses and Beadnell to Chathill railway station begins on Saturday, September 1.

It will be operated by Borders Buses from Monday through Saturday, including public holidays, and is timed to connect with Northern Rail services at Chathill.

This new route will greatly improve access to key destinations such as Newcastle and Morpeth, facilitating travel for work, education, and leisure.

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, offering the flexibility to travel around before catching the bus to Chathill station.

John Holwell, chairman of Chathill Rail Action Group, said: "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.”

In addition, the existing X16 service, currently operated by Arriva North East between Newcastle and Morpeth, will be extended to include Wooler, Coldstream, and Kelso. This extension replaces the limited 710 service operated by Glen Valley, which previously offered only one return journey on specific days.

The new X16 timetable provides several key improvements: Direct morning and afternoon journeys between Wooler, Morpeth, and Newcastle from Monday to Friday, timed for work and education purposes; and increased Saturday services connecting Wooler with Morpeth, Newcastle, Coldstream, and Kelso.

All current Glen Valley Saturday links have been retained, except for the Metrocentre connection, which has been removed due to low usage and the availability of frequent alternative services between Newcastle and the Metrocentre.

Regular hourly connections between Stannington village, Newcastle, and Morpeth, enhancing service frequency and accessibility.

Cllr 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.”