Journeys on the soon-to-open Northumberland Line will start from just £1.

Designed to provide value for money, the new passenger rail project looks set to facilitate quick, affordable travel between Northumberland and Newcastle.

The maximum off-peak single fare from Ashington to Newcastle will be under £3.

Customers can combine peak and off-peak tickets to make journeys even more cost-effective.

For customers aged under 21, fares will start from just £1 for a single journey.

Set to commence operations in summer 2024, the rail line aims to significantly enhance accessibility to employment, training and leisure opportunities for residents in southeast Northumberland.

In addition to this, it will present a myriad of new opportunities for education and travel.

Northern Trains, which will manage the service, confirmed that a comprehensive range of rail-only tickets will be up for grabs.

Northern's regional director Jason Wade said: "Northern will be operating all passenger services on the line and we will provide a timetable that will help those communities connect with employment, education and other opportunities that will have a positive impact for the region.”

Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “In this day and age, being able to travel on a brand new rail line for just over £1 provides real value for money.

“It was always a priority that fares would be attractive, especially for young people who will benefit from increased education and training opportunities as a result of the line opening."

A paper scheduled to be presented by Metro operator Nexus to the Joint Transport Committee attests that young individuals will be the main beneficiaries of the new line.

The entity, alongside the county council and Northern Trains, has closely collaborated to establish the new integrated fares.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: "This Government’s restoration of the Northumberland Line will have a transformative effect on communities in the North East and is part of the Government’s plan to improve local transport across the country."

With the introduction of 'Pop Blue' smart cards, those aged 21 and under will have access to single trips priced at just £1.

Young people can obtain a Pop Blue smart card free of charge from the Nexus website.