A NEW board has been put together to represent rail users on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and hold the rail industry to account.

The Route Supervisory Board has been put together by railway companies running the rail line, but will be headed by Sir Gary Verity, the chief executive of the tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, who will independently chair the board when it begins in September.

Other members will include senior representatives of Network Rail and train companies operating on the ECML, along with representatives from passenger groups and regional industries along the route.

Rob McIntosh, managing director of Network Rail’s London North Eastern & East Midlands route, said: “Britain's railway is ever more important to economic growth so, working together, we are determined to deliver more for customer and communities across the country.

“The board will work together with one voice to best represent customers the length of the East Coast Main Line, bringing track and train closer together, driving improvements and holding the industry to account.

"I’m very pleased that Sir Gary has agreed to chair our board, bringing his valuable insight from outside the rail industry to help us grow the ECML and deliver its maximum potential value for UK Plc.”

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, said it would be positive news for passengers between Scotland, the North-East, Yorkshire and London.

He said: “Delivering such major improvements and repairs, whilst keeping the busy railway moving, is a tough task, and it is much better done by a joined up local team. Bringing the management of track and train closer together will mean disruption is minimised as we deliver these better journeys for passengers.”

David Horne, managing director of Virgin Trains East Coast said: “Together with Network Rail, we’re moving forward at great speed in transforming rail travel on the east coast and I welcome the appointment of Sir Gary as someone who shares Virgin’s passion and drive to deliver a truly best in class railway for our communities.”

Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central said: “Setting up a Route Supervisory Board for the East Coast Main Line is a wonderful opportunity for the whole rail industry to work smarter together as one team to deliver for the passengers and communities that we serve.”