THE North-East is to get new trains after ministers "listened to passengers" and ignored the advice of civil servants who claimed the investment was not worth it.

In an announcement that signals a major success for The Northern Echo's Right Lines campaign, the Government has told the bidders for the Northern franchise they will need to replace the hated Pacers by 2020.

Operators will be required to order at least 120 brand new carriages, double the number of services on many routes, modernise all trains and invest at least £30 million to improve stations.

The winning TransPennine Express (TPE) operator will have to create more capacity by increasing the frequency of trains or running more services.

More earlier and later services will be introduced, as well as more trains on Sundays.

Both franchisees will have to introduce free wi-fi on every train by 2020.

The announcement is a major success for the Echo's Right Lines campaign, which is calling for a better service for the region's rail passengers.

It comes despite Department for Transport officials recommending against the purchase of the 120 brand new carriages - a £250 million cost which they said would be poor value for money.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin was forced to issue a “written directive” confirming that he had been advised against the expenditure - but was taking the decision anyway.

The details of the invitation to tender documents, which will shape the bids by operators hoping to run the two franchises, were last night welcomed by the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT).

James MacColl, CBT head of campaigns, said: "At last, the end of the line is in sight for the decrepit Pacers.

"Importantly, the Government has listened to the tens of thousands who responded to its consultation. It has grasped how investing in the north of England's rail network can help rebalance our economy, and the decision not to ramp up northern rail fares to pay for improvements is welcome good sense."

The campaign group said it was pleased Northern and TPE passengers would not be specifically singled out with fares increases to pay for improvements, as was proposed.

CBT also welcomed moves toward a zonal fares structure for the whole of the north of England, similar to the system in London.

The ITT documents include a commitment that the current two hourly service from Darlington to Bishop Auckland being increased to hourly, as well as more Sunday trains.

Charlie Walton, chairman of the Bishop Line community rail partnership, described the proposals as "fantastic news" for local rail users.

He added: "We have been talking to the Department for Transport for many years now about the need to improve local train services in the north and they have finally listened to us."

Announcing the ITT, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "This is great news for passengers across the north, who will finally get a rail service that matches up to the booming economy in this region. That means more seats, more services and a brand new fleet of modern trains."

However, Mick Cash RMT general secretary, described the plans as a pre-election stunt.

He added: "The tender documents allow bidders to axe guards and move to Driver Only Operation, compromising safety in the interests of private profit.

"Any new trains are light years away with passengers forced to endure the misery of the clapped out Pacers, and the ancient London Underground rolling stock that's heading north‎, way off into the future."

Companies shortlisted to run the new franchises were announced in August 2014.

Competing for Northern are Arriva, Govia and Northern, while on the shortlist for TPE are FirstGroup, Keolis/Go Ahead and Stagecoach.