But what's stopping the necessary arrangements being put in place?

The necessary arrangements are in place in other parts of the country so why not the North East?

Granted, the area covered by the Explorer ticket is vast - much larger than the area covered by the TfGM Wayfarer and the MerseyTravel equivalent - but surely an arrangement by operators and councils within the populated areas which lie between Tyne and Tees (and slightly beyond) would secure a better deal for passengers and encourage more people to consider using public transport throughout the region.

Personally, I would be prepared to pay a couple of quid more if it meant I could use my Explorer ticket on the train between Hexham and Newcastle; Newcastle and Saltburn; Saltburn to Bishop Auckland; and Darlington to Newcastle. But, of course, this is unlikely to happen even if this planned 'Combined Authority' happens.