LAST Sunday saw a franchise operator called Northern take over the operation of most passenger train services across the region.

Putting into operation the UK's largest single rail network, Northern will work in partnership with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and five passenger transport executives (PTEs), including Merseytravel.

The aim is to deliver an efficient, passenger-focused rail service.

Northern is now in charge of the networks previously operated by First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern, bringing together 472 stations and 1,600 miles of track under a single operator for the first time since Britain's railways were privatised.

Heidi Mottram, managing director of Northern, said: 'The official start of Northern services marks the beginning of a new era for rail travel that will be characterised by a focus on the travel requirements of commuters, business and leisure travellers across the region.

'Our priority is to ensure that we continue the delivery of a safe service, with improving levels of operational performance and measurable quality outcomes for both the trains and stations we operate.'

She added: 'With the help of our PTE and SRA partners, we will work hard to deliver a total service commitment that will ensure our customers have services that are integrated with other transport modes and offer value for money.

'The partnership has a proven track record in achieving the operational efficiency required to fulfil this goal and we see the first Northern trains as the first steps on a journey towards a world-class service.'

The company is the result of a franchise bid from Serco-NedRailways, the Anglo-Dutch partnership that already operates the Merseyrail franchise.

Company chairman Brian Burdsall said: 'The experience of the joint venture partners, coupled with our customer-focused vision to enhance service delivery, will underpin customer confidence in a new era for rail travel in Northern England.

'Our plans include modernised ticketing, measures to encourage greater use of bicycles and operation of the new Sheffield to Leeds via Barnsley route.'