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The region's new transport body is promising a host of improvements after signing a partnership deal with

Transport for West Midlands, which recently replaced Centro as a result of the new West Midlands Combined Authority, has agreed the 45-point plan with the rail operator which it said would "deliver further local improvements for customers in the region".

They include developing and agreeing a delivery plan for enhanced services on the Chase Line following electrification, working together to fully integrate the Midland Metro at New Street station and maximising the opportunities brought by HS2.

Other benefits the body said would arrive include working to support the proposed redevelopment of Wolverhampton's interchange and identifying suitable sites to expand the park and ride scheme at stations.

There is also a pledge for greater use of wi-fi for passenger services, improved ticket machines at stations and enhanced CCTV on board trains.

The partnership comes as of the West Midlands franchise which operates the busy cross-city route from Worcestershire to Staffordshire via Birmingham city centre.

The operator is currently to win the tender which starts in October 2017.

Coun Roger Lawrence, transport lead for the new combined authority, said: "Demand for rail services is as high as it has ever been so it is crucial we work together to develop and extract the maximum benefits from the network for the passenger.