RAIL users will this morning be getting used to new timetables and franchises introduced across the region.

SercoNed and Netherlands Railways took over the Northern rail franchise yesterday, including services previously run by First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern.

It will be operating 5,000 trains carrying more than a million passengers a day.

The company was due to start running the franchise two months ago, but the contract with the Strategic Rail Authority was not signed until the day after the scheduled takeover.

The TransPennine Express franchise, operated by FirstGroup Keolis, also launched its new timetable yesterday, with a promise of more, faster trains, more seats and greater reliability.

Passenger groups have welcomed the changes, but have also warned that many commuters will find their regular trains do not now exist.

Anthony Smith, national director of the Rail Passengers' Council, urged commuters to double-check new timetables to make sure their usual trains are still running.

"Our concern is that where more stops have been packed in, or trains taken out of the timetable altogether, this will lead to more overcrowding on already busy trains," he said.

Paul Durrant, who travels daily from Northallerton to York by train, said the new TransPennine Express timetable would leave commuters in Northallerton worse off.

"I think it will be very inconvenient for a lot of travellers from Northallerton," he said.

"For Northallerton to York journeys, two thirds are slower and there are now missing commuter services that were very convenient for commuting to York and back. I feel that their service is much worse. It may look more consistent and regular, but it does not offer the flexibility."

A spokesman for TransPennine Express said: "From Northallerton to York there are currently three trains that arrive before 9am. From this morning, there will be four trains arriving before 9am. We would argue that having more trains arriving before 9am is good news.

"We are trying to find a timetable that appeals to as many passengers as we can."