Thinking about it, Arriva could actually get rid of the X8. And although it wouldn't reduce the total PVR, it would streamline the 'X' routes as well as creating a few handy links. See screenshot for timing sample, don't know how the evening & Sunday interworking patterns would happen with the 52/53:
Timing Sample -
- X9 (as of 27/03) - interworks with X10/X11 - combined PVR of 13x
- X7 - Monday to Saturday daytime frequency increased to every 20 minutes, no route change - PVR of 7x
- X8 - withdrawn and replaced in parts by X7/42/43A
- 42 - Same route as current 43 between Newcastle and Dudley Weetslade Road then to Cramlington via Fern Drive, Annitsford and High Pit. Every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime, hourly evenings & Sundays - PVR of 4x
- 43 - Same route as current 43 to Morpeth (Cramlington only evenings & Sundays). Will operate hourly 7 days per week (combining up to every 30 minutes with 43A and up to every 15 minutes with 42 & 43A). - PVR of 5x (43/43A)
- 43A - Same route as current 43 to Cramlington then same route as the X8 (as of 27/03) to Blyth. Will operate hourly Monday to Saturday daytime (combining up to every 30 minutes with 43 and up to every 15 minutes with 42 & 43). Mid evening journeys & Sunday daytime journeys will also operate hourly but only between Blyth & Cramlington, with special through-fares available for journeys to and from Newcastle with changes at Cramlington. - PVR of 5x (43/43A)
With the slack timing on the 42, they could even be naughty and serve the entrance of the Northumbria Emergency Care Hospital, creating even more links!