THE region’s two combined authorities say they will hold company bosses at Northern directly to account as part of an agreement that was reached when the new rail franchise was re-let earlier this year.

The North East Combined Authority and the Tees Valley Combined Authority also said it hoped to work on a timetable for new investment in the network.

A new rail management board, consisting of representatives from both authorities along with North Yorkshire County Council and Cumbria County Council, has now met for the first time and hopes to shape an “ambitious” plan to transform local rail.

Franchise operator Arriva has already pledged to replace antiquated Pacer trains by 2020, invest £38m in Northern rail stations and introduce a new hourly service between Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

The board will directly monitor day-to-day performance and work with Northern to market rail travel, introduce more frequent services and develop plans for new stations and routes.

Councillor Bill Dixon, chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority transport committee and Leader of Darlington Borough Council said: “For too long passengers across the North have struggled with inadequate services and lack of investment.

“We look forward to working in close partnership with the franchise operator in a way that has not been possible previously in order to ensure they deliver the improvements in services and facilities that are much needed for rail travellers in the Tees Valley.”