Since the Diamond was split in two (Durham Diamond 16 and Northern 6)hasn't there be rumours of the 6 being changed to a new fleet of large single deckers, Citaros or split with some new Double deckers to cope with peak services but also for X30/1, X70/1 under a new Express brand.
Stanley could certainly do with some new buses for Inter-city (Newcastle) services and possibly a new Consett to Sunderland Express service.
Shouldn't all Express services be "Limited Stop" where local services can be used to serve hub station or stops where Express services serve, for example between Gateshead (Interchange or Metro Centre) into and from Newcastle.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - November 2016