Lord Adonis' report suggests :An extended North East Region (LA7 including Northumberland to Teeside) should be promoted as a wider region benefitting from increased population, infrastructure, industry, tourism, potential etc...
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/resources/files/28979
Liverpool relies on Ryanair (little profit)
Blackpool similar business model.
Private bus companies & train operators do not provide an integrated network to connect the wider region. This needs support from a larger Nexus style operation based on a similar model to Transport for London.
Travellers arriving at Newcastle travelling to Stockton / Middlesbrough need to know they can easily link via Metro-Trains-Buses/Coach transfer etc... - Is not currently well communicated.